Abstract

Indicator code: RPG2_Traf_E1

In Lithuania, road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death of children and young people (aged 0-24 years). According to 2006 data, mortality from RTIs in childhood and adolescence is 44% of all external causes of death. Lithuania has the highest number of deaths from road traffic accidents in the European Union. This number has increased by 18% from 2001 to 2006, calling for immediate effective preventive actions by state institutions in charge of safe transport and injury prevention.

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to road traffic injuries as they have different physical and psychological characteristics than adults, such as limited experience, risky behaviour and use of alcohol. In Lithuania, the highest share of traffic accidents is caused by inexperienced drivers (with one year driving experience). In addition, environmental conditions are believed to contribute significantly to road traffic injuries. Proper road design and infrastructure may reduce the number of fatal accidents by one third.

Lithuania has adopted a number of measures to protect children from road traffic injuries, such as special seats in front passenger seats for children under 12-years-old or under 150 cm height. Children above 3 years shall be seated in rear seats using regular seat belts, those under 3 years old shall be seated in a special seat. It is obligatory for all motorcycle passengers to wear a helmet, and children below 12 years are not allowed to be carried by a motorbike. The maximum speed limit has been set to 50 km per hour in settlements and 20 km per hour for residential areas within settlements.

Despite the legal regulations and measures in place, mortality from road traffic injuries in children and young people under 24 years in Lithuania is unacceptably high, with a rate of 20.45 per 100,000 population in 2006 and a tendency to increase. Trends over a 35-year period (1971-2005) show a statistically significant increase in mortality from RTIs for 15-19-years-olds, especially among boys. The age group of 15-24 years is the most affected, mainly related to be beginner drivers. In the same age group, mortality from RTIs among car drivers or passengers is about 5 times higher than among pedestrians. Motorcyclist deaths are also increasing significantly among those aged 15-19 years.

84% of all road traffic fatalities involve men. Boys and young men aged 0-24 years die from RTIs three times more than girls of the same age. There are noticeable regional differences in mortality from RTIs in children and young people.

Period of coverage: 1998 – 2006.

Full RTI assessment on national website, VASC (.pdf)