POLISH RESPONSE TO DISTRACTED DRIVING DEMARCHE

UNCLAS WARSAW 000097 SIPDIS FOR OES/S NANCY CARTER-FOSTER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EUN SOCI UNDP UNGA PL SUBJECT: POLISH RESPONSE TO DISTRACTED DRIVING DEMARCHE REF: STATE 6703 ¶1. On February 4, Econ Officer spoke with Andrzej Grzegorczyk, Director of the National Council of Traffic Safety within the Ministry of Infrastructure to deliver reftel demarche. Mr. Grzegorczyk offered general information regarding road safety in Poland and recognized that distracted driving is a growing issue. He did not have a response to our specific requests. Post will report any substantive response septel. ¶2. Mr. Grzegorczyk reported that while a law is on the books prohibiting cell phone use while driving, with the exception of hands-free devices, it is up to the local police to enforce the policy. He expressed doubt about the thoroughness of enforcement by the police and commented that while cell phones are sold with hands-free devices, he did not think many people used them. Cell phone use while driving is commonly seen. FEINSTEIN