An overview on pedestrians involved in traffic accidents in Latvia: Years 2010-2014

Abstract

Latvian national road accident statistics shows that for the vulnerable road users’ situation is critical, since pedestrians are involved in more than a quarter of road traffic accidents. This paper gives an analysis on pedestrians involved in road traffic accidents based on the road safety accident database in Latvia for the years 2010–2014. The total number of cases does not change significantly, however there has been an increase in pedestrian fatality rates over the period. From the total number of traffic accidents with pedestrians involved 92.4% had injuries, 6.8% were lethal cases and others didn't suffer from injuries. Out of 342 fatalities 37.7% occurred during the winter period, 56.1% in adverse weather (overcast, fog, rain or snow), 69.9% during twilight or darkness and 26.9% on weekends. Out of all accidents 55.3% occurred in the capital city Riga, but fatality rate was higher on main state roads. 8.1% of the total number of pedestrians involved in road traffic accidents was found to have alcohol in their blood right after the road traffic accident. Fatality rate was higher for those with exceeded BAC. Pedestrian injury risk analysis was associated with demographical and traffic-related factors, urbanization, visibility and seasonal patterns.

Preventative role of criminal law for traffic safety

“…The cause-effect relationship between violation of speed limits and pedestrian fatalities is also understood by the experts. Despite that Ukraine has highest level of pedestrian fatality (42%), the level of enforcement of the national speed limit law is the lowest (3 out of 10) [1,11].…”

Research Progress on Helmet Liner Materials and Structural Applications

“…Every year, tens of thousands of vehicle collisions worldwide result in the death of a large number of two-wheeler cyclists, while causing huge economic losses [4]. In automobile-two-wheeler crashes, head injuries are the most common type of injury that causes fatalities and serious injuries among cyclists [5][6][7]. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can effectively reduce head injuries suffered by cyclists in traffic accidents [8][9][10].…”

Research Progress on Helmet Liner Materials and Structural Applications

“…Every year, tens of thousands of vehicle collisions worldwide result in the death of a large number of two-wheeler cyclists, while causing huge economic losses [ 4 ]. In automobile-two-wheeler crashes, head injuries are the most common type of injury that cause fatalities and serious injuries among cyclists [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can effectively reduce head injuries suffered by cyclists in traffic accidents [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”