At 223 people killed per 1 mn inhabitants in 2006, Lithuania is the most unsafe country in the EU, the average for which is 86. The growing number of cars and traffic volume are key reasons behind increasing road safety problems, but this growth is seen by the population as something positive — a sign of development and modernisation. In a country of 3.5 million people, almost 10,000 people died and over 60,000 were injured as the result of road accidents between 1992 and 2006. The number of accidents, injuries and fatalities was on the rise during the late 1990’s with a peak level in 1998-1999. A significant reduction in all three indicators up to 2000 has been followed by a further deterioration until 2004. Statistical analysis indicate that 80% of all accidents arise due to driver/pedestrian error. The main causes of accidents are speeding, disregarding rules for overtaking and keeping safe distances, driving without license, and drink driving. The current national action plan for road safety, entitled “Complex Traffic Safety Development Programme until 2010”, follows the previous “Road Safety Programme for 2001-2005”. The main target of the current strategy is a 50% reduction in road fatalities and a 20% reduction in road injuries from 2004 to 2010. The current road safety programme lists a number of actions to be implemented in order to achieve the target. In a general context it is proposed to give priority to the main problem areas which seem to be vulnerable road users, road lighting problems, drink-driving and the condition of municipal roads. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting