Traffic safety is ensured above all by a good traffic culture, which is ensured by responsible, polite, and friendly road users.
The task of the state in ensuring traffic safety is:
- road maintenance
- ensuring good traffic management and supervision
- development of traffic safety programmes
- ensuring traffic education for children.
Traffic safety programme
The principles of Estonian traffic safety are set out in the traffic safety programme. The traffic safety programme clearly defines the framework on which the development of national traffic safety is based. The programme focuses on three main areas affecting traffic safety: responsible road users who perceive dangers, a safe environment, and a safe vehicle. The activities through which the programme is implemented are set out in the programme implementation plan.
Prevention and traffic education
Both prevention and traffic education are part of traffic safety. The Transport Administration conducts traffic safety-related prevention campaigns, about which more information can be found on the Administration’s website. The aim of the prevention campaigns is to increase road users’ traffic knowledge and to develop attitudes, safe traffic habits, and behavioural rules. Problematic topics include speeding, driving under the influence, distractions while driving, safety equipment, reflectors and other visibility options, and fatigue.
The Transport Administration’s website also contains information and training materials for road users.
Traffic supervision
Supervision of vehicles and road users is organised by the Ministry of the Interior and carried out by police officers, assistant police officers, and other officials within the limits of the powers granted to them by law. At the state border, motor vehicles and their trailers and drivers are checked by border guards and customs officers.
The national traffic safety policy is developed by the government. Its implementation is organised through a traffic safety programme. Ensuring the safety and security of road users is organised by the Ministry of Climate. Local governments organise road safety information and education activities among the general public and in schools and children’s institutions in their administrative territory.
Objectives of traffic supervision
- Developing the right traffic habits for pedestrians, passengers, and drivers.
- Reducing the number of traffic offences and accidents.
- Improving traffic safety.
Traffic supervision includes:
- traffic management and traffic management tools
- the technical condition of the vehicle
- road traffic and its participants
- travel documents
- passenger and freight transport
- public events.
References
- What to do in case of traffic accident
- How does the police process the incidents of speeding?
- Delivery of the fine notice
Services
- Cautionary Fines Portal
- Check the traffic damage history of a vehicle
- Check the validity of motor insurance
- Find responsible insurer
- The traffic information application Tark Tee (Smart Road)
- Vehicle history check