Background In 2022 in Poland pedestrians constituted 24.3% of all road fatalities and 22.2% of seriously injured. The number of killed pedestrians decreased in comparison with 2021 by 12.7% and data for 2013–2022 show drop in the number of fatalities by almost 60% and seriously injured by 46%. Among road accidents causes not giving priority to pedestrians, which resulted in 13.4% road accidents, 8.4% fatalities and 13.7% seriously injured, was listed on 3rd position.

Objective To protect the pedestrians a series of improvements has been introduced in Poland, including legal changes and infrastructural measures. Their aim is to improve pedestrians’ safety further as it remains one of the major road safety issues.

Policy Analysis One of the pillars of National Road Safety Programme 2021–2030 with objectives to reduce number of fatalities and seriously injured by 50% is dedicated to safe road user. Within Safe Road Infrastructure Programme 2021–2024, actions are aimed at increasing the protection of road users by creating safe road infrastructure - and, as a result, reducing the number of accidents and their victims. In recent years road safety audits of pedestrians crossings were performed resulting in installation of lightning at selected crossings. In 2021 legal regulations were introduced that gave priority to pedestrians approaching the zebra crossing and banned pedestrians from using mobiles while crossing roads. In 2022 new list of fines for traffic violations was published, including not giving priority to pedestrians by drivers. Changes in demerit points system aimed at protecting pedestrians more. The National Road Safety Council launched campaigns concerning pedestrians and senior safety.

Policy Implications The mentioned solutions lead to improvement of pedestrians’ safety in Poland and receiving in 2023 the European Transport Safety Council PIN award for best performance in road safety for 2022. However, there is still lots to be done as especially vulnerable road users remain at risk on polish roads.

Conclusions Developing and implementing regulations and standards to protect vulnerable road users is crucial and financial outlays are expected, therefore decisions need to be adapted to changing conditions and partial audits are important to monitor the advancements.