Lithuania is the first EU country to undertake a peer review of road safety policies. The review was carried out by experts from Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and the ECMT Secretariat. The transport sector and road safety statistics for Lithuania are described. The organisational framework of the road safety management structure, scientific research on traffic safety, the road network, vehicle inspection and state technical inspection requirements, and driver training are discussed. Problems in the road safety organisational structure of Lithuania include frequent changes of the Minister of Transport and Communications, a shortage of approved road safety programmes, a largely unqualified Traffic Safety Commission, ineffective cooperation at ministerial level, insufficient involvement of local government, and inadequate vehicle technical inspection. The large number of recommendations include improved driver training, vehicle inspection, use of safety belts in the rear of vehicles, and better law enforcement.
Abstract