Matija on repeat offenders: Everything must be done to keep them out of traffic

Croatian police chief Josip Mataija has warned that current measures against repeat traffic offenders are insufficient and called for stricter enforcement and potential legal reforms. Speaking to Dnevnik HTV, Mataija highlighted that even severe penalties such as revoking driving licenses and vehicle registration, along with fines, are not enough to deter some of the worst repeat offenders. He stated that the police are using all legally available tools, including recommending prison sentences and accumulating penalty points leading to license suspension. Mataija emphasized that the issue extends beyond the severity of punishments, pointing to dissatisfaction with how court rulings often reduce proposed penalties. He noted that persistent offenders might require more than just monetary fines, suggesting that mandatory jail time should be considered to ensure they do not participate in road traffic at all. The situation was underscored by recent incidents on Croatia's A1 motorway near Gornje Ploče, where several drivers, ignoring the completion of a traffic accident investigation, turned around and drove in the opposite direction. Mataija described this behavior as particularly alarming, noting that while most drivers respected safety protocols, a few reckless actions could lead others astray. Over 30 drivers were already penalized, with additional sanctions pending based on video evidence. Legal changes to the Road Safety Act are currently under consideration, with working groups evaluating proposals aimed at enhancing deterrents against dangerous driving. These discussions include potential increases in fines and longer periods of vehicle restriction following repeated offenses. The law allows for permanent vehicle confiscation after three violations, a measure that has affected over 3,000 drivers since its introduction in August 2019. Despite public perception that road conditions have worsened, statistical data shows a decline in accidents and fatalities. The number of traffic incidents decreased by one percent, minor injuries by three percent, and serious injuries by seven percent. Most notably, the number of fatalities dropped by 18 percent compared to previous years. This trend suggests that existing measures, though not perfect, are having a positive impact. Mataija stressed that the challenge lies in ensuring that these legal consequences are fully enforced and not diluted by judicial leniency. He reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both punitive measures and educational efforts to prevent future incidents. As the legal review continues, authorities remain committed to improving road safety through stronger regulations and consistent enforcement.