DYNAMICS AND CAUSES OF CRASHES ON LITHUANIAN ROADS

Abstract

Lithuania is the only European Union country that has reduced the number of road deaths by more than 50% from 2011 to 2021. However, even with significant progress, Lithuania has 53 deaths per 1 million inhabitants and Lithuania is still behind the EU average, which was 45 deaths per 1 million inhabitants in 2021. The purpose of this study is to determine the dynamics of deaths on Lithuanian roads in 2019–2021 using statistical methods and to systematically assess the causes of fatal traffic accidents. Also to propose factors (criteria) that would allow to improve the traffic safety situation in Lithuania and reach the average of European Union countries. The study carried out an analysis of traffic accidents in which people died on Lithuanian roads in 2019–2021. The dynamics of the distribution of events according to their causes during the studied period were analysed. It was established that the most important causes of fatal traffic accidents in Lithuania are related to inappropriate behaviour of drivers and pedestrians. This is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exceeding the speed limit, or driving at an unsafe speed. Also, inadequate, or unsafe infrastructure and poor technical condition of vehicles have a significant impact on fatal traffic accidents. After analysing the results of other scientists’ research, evaluating the experience of other countries, a list of measures (actions) divided into 3 groups was created. The use of these measures would further reduce the number of incidents in Lithuania. In future studies, it is planned to determine the importance of the presented factors based on the opinion of experts.