Survey: Latvians' top summer concerns are traffic accidents and family injuries
A Swedbank survey reveals that 28% of Latvian residents are most worried about traffic accidents and family injuries during summer, while 29% feel calm.
According to a survey commissioned by Swedbank, the most common summer worries among Latvian residents are road traffic accidents and injuries to family members. 28% of respondents cited traffic accidents during trips as a major risk, while an equal share pointed to the possibility of children or other family members getting injured. Another 25% are concerned about unexpected medical expenses following an accident. On the other hand, 29% of those surveyed said they feel relaxed during the summer.
Damage to home or property due to natural disasters is seen as a seasonal risk by 20% of residents, but only 4% consider this risk high, while 65% view it as low.
The survey also revealed age-related differences. Young people aged 18-24 are more likely to worry about traffic accidents, while those aged 25-44, who often have children and spend active time with family, are more concerned about family injuries and their financial consequences. After age 55, anxiety about most seasonal risks gradually decreases.
Regarding readiness for unforeseen events, 38% of respondents would rely on their savings, 20% on insurance, and 15% on family support. 11% would cover expenses from monthly income, 12% don't know what they would do, and 4% would take out a loan.
In the past year, 40% of residents have built a financial safety net, 28% reviewed or purchased health insurance, 27% – property insurance, 16% – movable property insurance, and 14% – life insurance. However, a quarter (25%) have done none of these actions.
Dzintars Kalniņš, head of the Insurance Department at Swedbank, notes that injuries are not rare exceptions – they happen regularly in everyday situations. Last year, the average compensation for domestic injuries was 437 euros, but in severe cases it exceeded 6,600 euros. In total, Swedbank insurance in Latvia paid out more than 565,000 euros in injury claims. Most injuries (78%) occurred at home, followed by sports (11%), work (5%), traffic accidents (4%), and third-party unlawful acts (2%).
The survey was conducted by the research center SKDS on behalf of Swedbank insurance in June and July 2026, polling 1,005 residents aged 18 to 75 across Latvia. The monitoring will be carried out quarterly from now on.
