Lithuanian study reveals gap in children's road safety behavior

A study conducted by the Transport Competence Agency (TKA) in Lithuania has revealed a significant gap between children's knowledge of traffic rules and their actual behavior on the road. While nearly all surveyed students in primary and middle school reported having learned the rules, observations near schools showed that 85% of scooter and bicycle riders failed to follow them.

Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas noted a concerning rise in injuries among minors, stating that more than half of injured electric scooter riders are underage. He emphasized that stricter rules alone will not solve the issue, highlighting the need for better education to help children recognize hazards and assess traffic situations. The agency called for a collaborative effort involving parents, schools, and police to improve road safety.

The study involved over 11,800 students from more than 400 Lithuanian schools. Specialists also conducted direct observations of 2,200 children near schools in Vilnius and Kaunas to monitor behavior at pedestrian and bicycle crossings.