If you drive on business in Poland you will need to keep your wits about you and be alert at all times, as the country has a comparatively high rate of fatalities on the roads, per head of population – around 14.3 per 100,000 compared to only 5.5 per 100,000 of in the UK, for example.

In addition roads in Poland are generally of poor quality, the skill level of many Polish drivers is low and the level of car thefts alarmingly high.

A standard EU driving licence will enable you to drive in Poland; otherwise you will also need an International Driving Licence.

Like all other mainland European countries, driving is on the right-hand-side and overtaking on the left. Similarly, it is illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving in Poland, unless you’re using a hands-free kit.

There are rules regarding horn use in Poland and it is mostly illegal to use one. If you have to give a warning to another driver, you should usually flash your headlights to make them aware of your actions. You can use your horn in poor visibility to make others aware of your presence, but for no other reason.

As a visitor to Poland you must keep your registration papers, insurance documents and driving licence safe. The high number of car thefts means it is not advisable to leave your valuable paperwork in the car, so keep it with you.

The Polish police rigorously enforce the speed limits – even though local drivers pay seemingly little attention. Fines are commonplace and the punishment more severe if you are caught speeding to a significant degree.

In general the speed limits are as follows: expressways – 110km/h or 130km/h dependent on area; outside built-up areas – 90km/h; built-up areas – 50km/h or 60km/h dependent on area.

The Polish police adopt a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of alcohol. Even one unit of alcohol in your bloodstream carries the risk of a charge of drink-driving.

Despite strict road rules, local drivers don’t always follow them.

Roads are often poorly maintained, with junctions and crossroads often not marked with stop lines. Roundabouts can be difficult to spot, as they’re not often round, so many drivers just continue through regardless.

There are other assorted quirks of driving in Poland. For instance, you should be aware of people overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic.

It is also not uncommon for people to jump red lights. Many drivers in Poland only stop at a red light if there’s another vehicle obstructing its path.

Don’t assume that drivers will stop at a zebra crossing. Unless there is someone already in the middle of the crossing, many drivers in Poland will choose not to stop at all.

Driving too close to the car in front is also very common, so keep a safe distance between yourself and other drivers.

You may pass trams on the right, but if one has stopped and passengers are disembarking you must yield to them. You should also watch out for horse-drawn vehicles, especially during the harvest months.

As traffic signals are often ignored and drivers do not always signal before making a manoeuvre, being able to read the body language of other drivers could stand you in good stead.

Finally, keeping your headlights on all day is encouraged.