This week traffic police are keeping an especially sharp eye on pedestrian crosswalks.
Officers say they will intervene directly whenever a motorist fails to stop at a zebra crossing – in some cases suspending drivers' licenses on the spot.
Police figures show that one of the most dangerous situations is when a vehicle or tram is stopped at a crosswalk and then another vehicle passes it without stopping.
“Police will crack down these kinds of acts with a firm hand, even by immediately suspending one’s right to drive,” says Risto Lammi, Chief Superintendent of the National Police Board.
Last year there were more than 1,000 accidents at pedestrian crossing points in Finland. Of these, 530 caused injuries or deaths. On average, between 10 and 15 pedestrians are killed annually in such accidents.
The largest number of crosswalk accidents takes place in broad daylight on weekdays, with Wednesday being the most dangerous day for some reason.
