Latvia is grappling with a series of road tragedies at the start of the new year. As of January 12th, six traffic fatalities have been reported, including four deaths occurring last weekend, according to Latvian Television.
Highway Collision Claims Three Lives
On Sunday at 3 p.m., a collision at the 49th kilometre of the Rīga-Ventspils highway resulted in the deaths of three occupants of a Toyota Hilux. One of the deceased has been identified as Ernests Moisejs, a former member of the Salaspils District Council affiliated with the National Alliance. The group was returning from a hunting trip at the time of the incident.
Despite the road being described as flat and clearly visible, and having been recently cleared, the Toyota Hilux reportedly swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a semi-trailer truck. Witnesses also observed an Audi partially sliding under the truck, though occupants of that vehicle escaped with only minor damage to their car.
Oskars Irbītis, a traffic safety expert at the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), analyzed the scene. He noted that drivers losing control often overcorrect, leading to skidding. He emphasized the importance of avoiding overreaction when encountering dangerous conditions.
Second Fatality Under Investigation
A separate incident this weekend in Ulbroka claimed the life of a man born in 1957. He drove into the opposite lane and crashed into a fence while traveling towards a roundabout. CSDD’s Irbītis indicated that the trajectory and damage suggest the driver may have experienced a medical event prior to the crash.
Authorities are investigating both incidents. It is possible the Ulbroka accident may not be included in the final road fatality statistics if a pre-existing medical condition is determined to be the primary cause. However, as of January 12th, six road deaths have been recorded in Latvia this year.
Jānis Celmiņš, head of the Public Order Police Office of the Zemgale Regional Administration of the State Police, stated that the investigation will determine if speeding was a factor in the highway collision.
Experts are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, noting that winter road conditions can change rapidly and that even speeds as low as 50 kilometres per hour may be too fast in certain situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the road conditions like at the time of the highway accident?
Oskars Irbītis described the road conditions as “typical winter conditions,” stating, “What we drivers have to reckon with these days.” The road had been cleared several times prior to the incident.
What happened with the other vehicles involved in the highway collision?
Five vehicles were involved in total. According to Irbītis, drivers of the other vehicles wisely drove into a shallow ditch, where the snow cushioned the impact.
Is it certain that the six deaths will remain in the official road fatality statistics?
It is not certain. The accident in Ulbroka is under investigation, and if a pre-existing medical condition is determined to be the primary cause, it may be removed from the official statistics.
Given the recent tragedies, what steps do you believe are most important to improve road safety in winter conditions?
