The Czech Republic has one of the worst accident rates in Europe. According to an article on the Radio Praha website, “Critics say in general Czech drivers drive too fast, don’t keep their distance, take unnecessary risks and are generally very aggressive”. The national goal is to cut the number of road transport fatalities in half by 2010, based on the 2002 level.

On July 1, a new road transport law came into effect. Some important parts of the law are that it creates a point system for driving offenses, establishes when licenses can be taken away, and increases fines.

The articles below discuss the law, including some of the controversy surrounding it. It’s too early to make any final judgement, but so far, so good.

Radio Praha
Czech drivers study new rules as points system approaches
Summary of new rules for driving

Prague Post
Law aims to punish unsafe drivers

ČTK
Fewer die on roads on July’s first weekend as law comes to force

Radio Praha
Fewer deaths on Czech roads as new law comes into force

Update - one week after:

ČTK
Only one person dies on Czech roads during two national holidays