Hyneček (†7) was hit by a motorcyclist at a crossing in Prague: According to locals, the danger continues
The tragic accident happened exactly 16 years ago in October at the pedestrian crossing near the Břevnov Monastery in Prague, when a mother was crossing the busy Patočkova Street with her seven-year-old son. While the car in the right lane gave them the right of way, Ladislav B. on his motorcycle missed the schoolboy in the left lane and crashed into him.
“My son walked a little ahead of me. He was looking forward to giving the ducks in the nearby pond a roll that had fallen on the floor in the tram earlier.” the boy’s mother subsequently testified in court five months later. The then 31-year-old motorcyclist thought the family would cross the crossing only after he passed.
Remorse
According to judge Monika Křikavová, the main cause of the accidents was the excessive speed of motorcyclists. The forensic expert estimated his speed at 77 to 99 kilometers per hour, while driving at “fifty”. “There is no doubt that high speed was the cause of the accident,” stated the judge in the justification of the judgment.
Subsequently, the district court for Prague 2 sent Ladislav behind bars for two years. After returning from prison, he was banned from driving for 6 years. “I sincerely regret what happened. No court can give me a greater punishment than the remorse I already have.” the motorcyclist said at the time in his closing speech. After the tragic accident, Prague 6 had the road narrowed from four lanes to two, except for the patrolling policeman at the crossing.
Transition today
Lightning went to the scene of the tragic accident. The road already consists of four lanes, two in one direction and two in the opposite direction. However, a traffic light was added for both cars and pedestrians. Not only cyclists, cars and motorbikes, but also trucks drive along the road at considerable speed. If a pedestrian happens to be on a fairly narrow island when a red light flashes, he does not feel safe at all. He has cars whizzing by in front of him and behind him.
Residents of Břevnov remembered little Hyneček and the tragic collision on social networks after 16 years. Most of them do not feel safe there due to the density of traffic and the speed of vehicles. “I wrote to the municipality and the Department of Transport of Prague 6 that the crossing over Patočkova u Klášter is poorly secured, that the crossing is unpleasant, confusing, and waiting trucks are driving right next to you,” complains Rachel K.
According to Ivan K., the traffic light works here, but with a very short interval. That is why it is said to be dangerous for pedestrians to cross even on a green light. “Very often, drivers do not respect the signaling, even public transport drivers, for whom it is incomprehensible, continue to run red lights,” he says angrily. He therefore proposes a camera system with random police presence. Adam B. again points to risky pedestrians “So in defense of the drivers, I have to say that the pedestrians in this place aren’t exactly disciplined either,” comments.
Another resident of Festina Lente, who was an elementary school student at the time of the accident and Hyneček was a classmate of her friend, I cannot imagine that the traffic light would not be there nowadays. “That would be a downright lottery for life. But the traffic light itself is only the most necessary security, and in such a (also historically) dangerous place, there is never enough protection.” he says. Railings could be placed around the crossing. “I have small children myself, and although I pay particular attention to them at the mentioned crossing, I experience the fear every day that they will run from the narrow sidewalk or fall into the busy road. Just beyond the crossing, the alley begins and ends, where children are having fun, which records inattention. The crossing could also be marked with a light strip or spotlights directly on the road,” thinks Festina Lente.
The witness was hit by a car just a month before the fatal accident
Just a month before Hyneček was killed, a car also “shot down” Metoděj Š. (24). He was said to be very lucky, because the car was going over 70 kilometers per hour, but Metoděj “only” escaped with abrasions and a concussion. He was eight years old at the time of the accident. When he found out, still with scabs on his hands and feet, what happened to the other boy in the same place, he cried.
“I’m sorry that a boy had to die there to put a traffic light” he tells Bleska. Now he finds the transition safer. He hasn’t changed the solution since. However, he does not remember the circumstances of his accident. “I was young, I don’t remember the paperwork surrounding the accident and I don’t remember the whole day either,” he adds.
The crossing over Patočkova Street, where a tragedy occurred on October 18, 2006, when a motorcyclist killed a seven-year-old boy crossing the crossing with his mother and siblings. Jan Dařílek
Convicted Ladislav Balicz.
Author: ČTK