In a moving ceremony on Prague’s Old Town Square, the iconic Astronomical Clock was stopped and its figure of Death rang the bell 148 times—once for every person who lost their life in the Czech Republic due to speeding-related accidents in 2024. The clock was paused at 11:00, creating a moment of reflection for all who witnessed this powerful act.

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National No Rush Day

This event was part of the National No Rush Day, an annual campaign organized by the Czech Insurance Association to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding. The campaign encourages drivers to slow down and consider whether saving a few minutes is worth risking lives.

A unique element of this year’s campaign was the symbolic 13-minute delay in the start times of several public events, including a government meeting and the evening football semifinal between Sparta Prague and Plzeň. The number 13 represents the small number of minutes a driver might save by exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h on the route from Prague to Brno—hardly worth the risk.‍

The Stark Reality of Speeding

Speeding is the second most common cause of traffic accidents in the Czech Republic, accounting for nearly 15% of all incidents over the past 15 years. In 2024 alone, excessive speed claimed 148 lives. The National Day Without Rush serves as a sobering reminder that haste on the roads can have irreversible consequences.

Speed Limits in the Czech Republic

Understanding and respecting speed limits is crucial for road safety. Here are the standard speed limits for drivers in the Czech Republic:

• ‍Urban Areas (cities, towns, villages): 50 km/h (31 mph)‍
• Rural Roads (e.g., limit outside of the city): 90 km/h (56 mph)‍
• Expressways (Silnice pro motorová vozidla): 110 km/h (68 mph)‍
• Motorways (Dálnice): 130 km/h (81 mph)
  

Always look out for posted signs, as speed limits can be lower in certain zones, near schools, or due to roadworks.