ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: CZECH REPUBLIC

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…

„ The Czech Republic has significantly more pedestrian fatalities than other countries in the European Union.

„ Lowered speed limits in urban areas and on motorways have reduced road crash injury and fatalities. „ There are 3.4 road fatalities per 10,000 vehicles in the „ Fatalities on rural roads have more than doubled Czech Republic compared to 2.0 in the United States. since 1988. „ There are 3.61 road crash fatalities per 100 million „ While traffic volume has quadrupled since 1990, vehicle kilometers in the Czech Republic compared funds allocated for road maintenance have decreased to 1.0 in the United States. by one third.

ROAD REALITIES

DRIVER BEHAVIORS „ Roads are frequently under construction. Signs „ Speeding, running red lights and drunk driving are indicating upcoming construction zones are often the main factors in traffic road crashes. lacking. „ Drivers routinely tailgate, take risks when passing „ Deep ruts and potholes are common on all but the and use excessive speeds on local roads and best roads. highways. „ Motorways running from Prague to Plzen, „ Drivers do not always stop for pedestrians in Podebrady to Bratislava in Slovakia via Brno are fast crosswalks. and smooth. „ Road signs on main roads are similar to those used GENERAL ROAD CONDITIONS throughout Europe. „ The expansion of the road system has not keep pace „ Some road signs unique to the Czech and Slovak with the rapid growth in car ownership. Republics: „ Main roads generally meet Western European CHODTE VLEVO Pedestrians walk on standards. the left DALKOVY PROVOZ Bypass „ Extra caution is needed on mountainous roads, just H NEMOCNICE Hospital as in other parts of Europe. JEDNOSMERNY PROVOZ One-way traffic „ Side roads may have uneven surfaces, irregular lane OBJÌZDKA Detour markings and sign placements that are not clear. PRUJEZD ZAKÁZÁB Closed to vehicles „ A number of smaller roads connecting major cities „ Many well-used railroad crossings have no barriers; and tourist regions are generally well marked, with others have no flashing lights. plenty of gas stations.

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URBAN TRAVEL „ Do not park within 5 meters of an intersection, „ Condition and maintenance of urban roads is pedestrian crossing, or public transportation stop. generally good. „ Do not park within 15 meters of a train crossing. „ Street signage is generally poor. „ Locations where parking is prohibited include:

„ Be alert when driving on cobblestone streets and o Within 5 meters of an intersection, pedestrian among streetcars in historic city centers. crossing or public transportation stop. „ Parking is only allowed on the right side of the road, o Within 15 meters of a train crossing. (does not apply to one-way roads). o On the left side of a two-way road. (Does not apply „ Parking along a tramline is prohibited unless a 3.5- to one-way roads.) meter-wide lane is left between the vehicle and the o Along a tram line unless a 3.5-meter-wide lane is left tram lane. between the vehicle and the tram lane.

CITY PROBLEMS USEFUL INFORMATION

PRAGUE Traffic is congested. Public transportation is provided by buses, trams and Pick pocketing and mugging is a problem, which metro system. occurs mostly on the trams, metro and main Horns are prohibited in central Prague between 9pm railway stations. and 5am from March 15 to October 15, and from 8pm Finding a fuel station is difficult. to 6am the rest of the year. It is illegal to pass trams on the left. The use of Park & Ride lots (located at the ends of metro lines) is recommended. Then use public transit to reach Prague center. Parking is prohibited in the city center unless you are staying in a local hotel. Information on typical taxi fares is available at the Prague Airport.

BRNO Unsatisfactory Condition of regional and long- Many marked tourist and bicycle routes. distance roads is unsatisfactory, particularly the Superior medical institutions but low availabilitly of I/38, I/50, I/53, I/54 and I/55. medical care in marginal parts of Znojmo, Blansko and Persistent traffic problems in the city center. Vyskov districts.

OSTRAVA Increased traffic congestion and road crashes on Motorway D-47 (going through Europe from the north major roads, especially at level intersections of the to the south) and international route E-462 (connecting city transport ring and in the city center. Brno to Cracow) may be under construction.

RURAL TRAVEL „ Drivers must watch carefully for rapid slowdowns „ Condition and maintenance of rural roads is and sudden stops. generally good. „ Narrow, twisty mountain roads require caution. „ Main and secondary roads carry pedestrian and horse-drawn traffic as well as motorized traffic.

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PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL SEASONAL TRAVEL „ Pedestrian behavior both on rural and urban roads „ Dense fog or smog can form anywhere in the places pedestrians at risk. Crossing against the light, wintertime. jaywalking, walking on the wrong side of the road, „ The climate is humid with cold, cloudy winters and wearing dark clothing and walking while under the warm summers. influence of alcohol are common. „ Precipitation is generally heaviest during the summer „ Many motorists drive too fast and largely ignore months. crosswalks.

„ In most EU countries, pedestrians account for about POLICE ENFORCEMENT 16 percent of traffic fatalities. In the Czech Republic „ Laws and regulations are enforced vigorously. Follow that number is about 28 percent. the rules. „ Pedestrian fatalities in crosswalks increased almost „ Expect speed traps on the autoroutes. Foreigners are 400 percent from 2001 to 2003 after traffic laws were favorite targets. changed in January 2001 to give pedestrians the right of way in crosswalks. „ Police are empowered to collect fines of up to 2000 Kc on the spot. Fines of up to 15,000 Kc may be imposed for later collection.

ROAD REGULATIONS

„ Driving is on the right. „ If vehicle breaks down or a road crash blocks traffic in tunnel, passengers must leave the tunnel or find „ Passing is permitted on the left side only. shelter immediately. „ Traffic lights are placed before the intersection (not „ Vehicles using blue flashing lights have priority over after the intersection, as in the United States). other vehicles. „ Czech traffic rules do not differ greatly from those of „ Headlights must be on when weather impairs other European countries. visibility. „ The legal blood alcohol limit is 0 mg. „ When waiting at level train crossings use sidelights „ The minimum driving age is 18 years for motor only. vehicles. „ Use turn signals when passing and turning. „ An International Driving Permit is required. IDPs „ No right turn on red. are available through AAA. Call 1-800-222-4357 or visit www.aaa.com. „ Trams should be passed on the right. If there is no room on the right, trams can be passed on the left, „ Speed limits for cars and buses not exceeding 3.5 except in Prague. tons: „ Seat belt use is compulsory in the front seat. Children o Residential/urban areas: 50 km/h (30 mph). under 12 years and/or less than 1.5 meters are not o Rural roads: 90 km/h (56 mph) permitted in the front seat. In the rear seat, it is o Motorways and highways: 130 km/h (80 mph) mandatory to use child restraint devices for children less than 18 years and smaller than 150cm in height. „ Speed limits for vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons and cars pulling a caravan or trailer: „ You must carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit in or on your vehicle. The warning triangle o Rural areas and motorways: 80 km/h (50 mph) requirement does not apply to motorcyclists. „ Otherwise, the posted speed prevails.

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„ Any road crash resulting in injury or causing „ Drivers must not use handheld cell phones while damages in excess of 1000 Kc must be immediately driving. reported to police. If you plan to export the vehicle, „ The use of radar detectors or devices that influence contact the police even if damages are slight. The technical equipment used by the police is prohibited. police will provide a certificate to ease the exporting process. „ Use horns only to warn of danger or to signal that you are about to pass. „ A road usage tax sticker is required to drive legally on major highways, including the E-50 motorway. „ A detailed resource for road regulations may be Stickers are available at post offices, border crossings found at: www.aer-net.co.uk/edr/czech.htm. and selected gasoline stations. The fine for failing to Especially, road sign depictions and definitions at: properly display a motorways toll sticker is assessed www.aer-net.co.uk/edr/signslistnf.htm. on the spot.

ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS trains stop at just about every station, averaging as BUSES little as 30kph. „ The safety of public transportation is good. BICYCLES & MOTORCYCLES „ The public transportation system is excellent and efficient. An extensive bus network services most „ Bicycles are a common mode of transportation. areas not accessible by train. „ If you plan to operate a motorcycle, have the IDP „ Bus transportation between municipalities in the provider certify your qualification to do so. Czech Republic is provided by a number of bus „ The minimum age for drivers of motorcycles over companies. 50cc is 17 years. For motorcycles under 50cc, the „ Unlike trains, buses tend to run less frequently on the minimum driving age is 15 years. weekends, especially in the rural areas. „ Helmets and goggles are compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers riding a machine TAXIS with a 50 cc or larger engine. „ Radio-dispatched taxis generally charge much lower „ Motorcyclists must use low beams at all times fares than taxis available at taxi stands (areas where „ Ride defensively as drivers frequently fail to share the taxis wait to pick up fares). Radio-dispatched taxis roads respectfully with cyclists. are often much more reliable. „ Cyclists must exercise caution on narrow secondary „ Fares are not fixed; agree upon the fare before and rural roads. boarding. „ Potholes that are minor irritations to motorists are „ Information on typical taxi fares is available at the major obstructions to cyclists. Prague Airport. „ In towns, cobblestone streets and tram tracks can be TRAINS a dangerous combination, especially if they are wet or snow-covered. „ The Czech Republic has one of the most comprehensive rail networks in Europe. Czech „ The speed limit for motorcycles is 90 km/h (56 mph). Railways (České dráhy or ČD) runs two main types „ Helmets and goggles are compulsory for of trains: rychlík (R) or spěšný (Sp) trains are the motorcyclists and their passengers riding a machine faster ones, stopping only at major towns. Osobní with a 50 cc or larger engine.

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„ Motorcyclists must carry a first aid kit and spare „ Incidents of violent crime have become more vehicle bulbs; are not required to carry a warning common in Prague. triangle. „ If you are the victim of a crime, report it to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or CRIME & SECURITY Consulate for assistance. „ Crime rate is generally low. Street crime, particularly „ Civil disorder is rare; avoid street demonstrations. pick pocketing and mugging, is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague and on public transportation.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE „ Medical training, equipment and standards of „ Availability of roadside assistance is generally good. hygiene are not what most Westerners might expect. „ Emergency number for non- Czech-speaking „ Prague has good Western-style medical clinics with travelers is 122 for any kind of emergency. English-speaking doctors and dentists. However, staff members at the majority of Czech medical „ Emergency numbers for Czech-speaking travelers are facilities do not speak English. 154 for road assistance; 158 for police; 150 for fire; 155 for ambulance. „ Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services. Some facilities accept credit cards. „ Automobile clubs/services: „ Conditions that would be treated on an outpatient o Ustredni Automotoklub CSFR (UAMK), FIA and basis in the United States are often treated on an AIT member (club), Na Rybnicku 16, 120 76 Prague inpatient basis in the Czech Republic. 2. Phone is 22491 1843; office hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays „ Absinthe is legal in the Czech Republic. It is strongly recommended not to consume absinthe because it o CSFR (breakdown service): Prague. Phone is contains thujone, which can cause life-threatening 7734555. problems, including convulsions and kidney failure.

o Autoklub Ceské Republiky (ACR), FIA member „ U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in other (club), Opletalova 29, 110 00 Prague 1. Phone is countries. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover 22421 0266; office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. medical expenses rendered outside the U.S. Medigap on weekdays. policies (plans C through J) cover 80 percent of what o Autoturist (information service for motoring Medicare would cover in the U.S. for the first 60 days tourists), Na Rybnicku 16, 120 76 Prague 2. Phone is of each trip; a $250 deductible applies. Maximum 2 203 355; office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on lifetime limit of $50,000. Medicare Advantage may weekdays. offer coverage for care abroad. Phone: 800-633-4227; website: „ Fuel stations are usually located on the edge of www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11037.pdf. towns. Stations on international roads and in large towns are open 24 hours. „ You may access comprehensive information from: “Guide to the Healthcare System in the Czech „ Tourist facilities are well developed in Prague; Republic – Information Guide for Foreigners” outside of Prague, they are less developed. (August 2003) at: www.izpe.cz/files/aktuality/31.pdf

MEDICAL CARE EMBASSY INFORMATION „ Ambulance services may not meet United States „ The Embassy of the Czech Republic, 3900 Spring of standards. Response can sometimes be slow. Freedom St, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Phone is Ambulance companies may expect payment at the time of delivery.

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(202) 274-9100, fax is (202) 966-8540; website is FOR MORE INFORMATION www.mzv.cz/washington. Contact: „ U.S. Embassy, Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague, Czech Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) Republic. Phone is (420) 257 530 663, after hours 11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac MD 20854, USA emergencies phone is (420) 257 532 716; website is Telephone: (301) 983-5252 www.usembassy.cz. Fax: (301) 983-3663 Website: www.asirt.org E-mail: [email protected]

ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company crash on the roads of Turkey. © ASIRT 2004

Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public. This report is intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment, quality of public transportation, medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance.

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