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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.


Article in Lithuanian.


Žūčių Lietuvos keliuose dinamika ir priežastys


Santrauka


Lietuva yra vienintelė Europos Sąjungos valstybė nuo 2011 m. iki 2021 m. daugiau kaip 50 % sumažinusi žūčių skaičių keliuose. Tačiau net ir esant reikšmingam progresui Lietuvoje 1 mln. gyventojų tenka 53 žūtys ir šalis vis dar atsilieka nuo ES vidurkio, kuris 2021 m. buvo 45 žuvusieji 1 mln. gyventojų. Šio tyrimo tikslas – statistiniais metodais nustatyti žūčių Lietuvos keliuose 2019–2021 m. dinamiką, sistemiškai įvertinti šių įvykių priežastis bei pasiūlyti veiksnius (kriterijus), kurie leistų pagerinti eismo saugumo situaciją Lietuvoje ir pasiekti Europos Sąjungos šalių vidurkį. Tyrime atlikta 2019–2021 m. Lietuvos automobilių keliuose įvykusių eismo įvykių, kuriuose žuvo žmonės, analizė. Išnagrinėta įvykių pasiskirstymo pagal jų priežastis dinamika per tiriamą laikotarpį. Nustatyta, kad svarbiausios mirtinų eismo įvykių Lietuvoje priežastys yra susijusios su netinkamu vairuotojų ir pėsčiųjų elgesiu. Tai yra vairavimas apsvaigus nuo alkoholio ar narkotinių medžiagų, leidžiamojo greičio viršijimas arba nesaugaus greičio parinkimas. Taip pat didelę įtaką mirtiniems eismo įvykiams turi netinkama arba nesaugi infrastruktūra ir bloga transporto priemonių techninė būklė. Atlikus kitų mokslininkų tyrimų rezultatų analizę, įvertinus kitų šalių patirtį, sukurtas į 3 grupes suskirstytas veiksnių (priemonių) sąrašas. Šių priemonių panaudojimas leistų toliau mažinti įvykių skaičių Lietuvoje. Ateities tyrimuose planuojama nustatyti pateiktų veiksnių svarbą remiantis ekspertų nuomone.


Reikšminiai žodžiai: eismo įvykis, avarija, žūtis, eismo saugumas, vairuotojai, pėstieji, eismo įvykio priežastis, vairuotojų elgesys, saugus greitis, infrastruktūra, transporto priemonės techninė būklė, PIN Award.

Keyword : traffic accident, crash, death, traffic safety, drivers, pedestrians, cause of the traffic accident, driver behaviour, safe speed, infrastructure, technical condition of the vehicle, PIN Award

How to Cite
Naidič, E., & Bražiūnas, J. (2023). Dynamics and causes of crashes on Lithuanian roads. Mokslas – Lietuvos Ateitis / Science – Future of Lithuania, 15. https://doi.org/10.3846/mla.2023.19201
Published in Issue
Jun 19, 2023
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