Increased road checks for the holidays: Here's what the police will pay special attention to

 

To ensure a higher level of safety for road users, the Traffic Police Directorate will conduct the Seventh Central Action of Enhanced Traffic Control on roads across Serbia from December 24 to January 8.

Expect Congestion on Roads to Winter Resorts

Traffic is expected to increase during the holidays, especially toward winter tourist centers, as the winter school break is also underway, said Mladen Nikolić, Police Colonel from the Traffic Police Directorate.

“The central action focuses on detecting violations such as exceeding speed limits, improper overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, not using seat belts, improper use of phones while driving, incorrect transportation of children, and other violations stipulated by the Road Safety Law,” Nikolić told Tanjug.

Alcohol and Excessive Speed Are the Biggest Risks During Holidays

Considering that most traffic accidents involving injuries or fatalities occur between 3 PM and 11 PM, the action is organized so that enhanced traffic control is carried out during afternoon, evening, and night hours for at least eight hours, using all available police officers. All devices for detecting alcohol and psychoactive substances in drivers will be employed, and the maximum number of radar devices and interceptors will be used to monitor speeding on Serbian roads.

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Holiday Traffic Safety in Serbia: Key Risks and Police Appeal

Mladen Nikolić from the Traffic Police Directorate highlighted the main risks and safety measures for the holiday season:

Driving Under the Influence and Speeding as Major Risks

“This time of year brings many corporate parties, as well as New Year and Christmas celebrations. Our tradition includes drinking during celebrations, but the dangerous practice is driving afterward. Therefore, the most common violation during this period is driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Nikolić.

He also emphasized that speeding and improper overtaking are major causes of accidents, as holiday shopping and trips to winter resorts make drivers impatient and less focused, leading to increased traffic incidents.

Traffic Accident Statistics for 2025

• Total traffic accidents: 33,135

• Fatalities: 485

• Injured: 18,753

• Accidents yesterday: 103, with 41 injuries and no fatalities

Tragically, nine children died in traffic accidents in 2025, mostly as passengers, often due to improper transportation or not using seat belts in the rear seats. Nikolić noted that school zones reported zero child fatalities this year, thanks to active traffic police engagement.

Appeal to Parents and Drivers

Nikolić urged citizens to respect traffic laws and act responsibly to protect their children, as a single moment of inattention can have catastrophic consequences.

The biggest risk factors for accidents causing injury or death are:

1. Speeding – involved in ~47% of such incidents

2. Driving under the influence of alcohol

Police Recommendations for Safe Holidays

• Adapt driving to weather and road conditions

• Exercise patience, especially on mountain routes

• Use mandatory winter equipment when required

• Avoid driving after consuming alcohol or psychoactive substances; use alternative transport

Nikolić concluded: “Our vision is zero fatalities in traffic. Achieving this requires not only law enforcement but also responsible behavior from all road users. By following traffic laws and expert recommendations, everyone can contribute significantly to this goal.”

He also wished all citizens of Serbia safe holidays and a happy journey during the festive season.