Road Safety Directorate and partners to give away over 8,000 reflectors in Latvia

Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), together with insurance company BALTA and the retail chain Narvesen, will give away more than 8,000 reflectors free of charge across the country in November as part of its “Nāvīgi stilīgi” road safety campaign. They will be handed out during the “Staro Rīga” light festival, at Narvesen outlets nationwide and at an evening run in Riga. The goal is to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the darkest season of the year.

CSDD points to the statistics: in 2025, 36 pedestrians died in Latvia in the dark hours of the day, and nine have died so far this year. Data from the past five years show that most fatal crashes were recorded in Riga and the Riga region, with the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. especially dangerous. A CSDD survey found that only 14% of residents always use reflectors in the dark, while 33% almost never or never do.

Where to get a reflector

From 15 to 18 November, during the “Staro Rīga” festival, an illuminated stand will operate at the “Galerija Centrs” shopping centre on Rīdzenes Street in Riga with BALTA's support, where 4,000 free reflectors will be distributed. BALTA management board chair Sanita Glovecka said a reflector lets drivers notice a pedestrian in time.

From 21 November, a further 4,000 reflectors will be available free at all Narvesen outlets in Latvia. Narvesen will also offer reflector-making kits that schools can apply for. Dace Dovidena, chair of the board at Reitan Convenience Latvia (Narvesen), noted that the stores are often located near public transport stops.

On 19 November, CSDD and the CCAF running club will hold an evening run in Riga, CCAF Night Run, where participants will hand out reflectors. Club founder Nils Raumanis stressed that moving around the city also requires attention to personal safety.

Advice

CSDD reminds drivers that without reflective elements a pedestrian can be seen in the dark only from 25–40 metres away, while a reflective vest makes a person five to ten times more visible. A reflector should be placed in a clearly visible spot, preferably on moving parts of the body and on the side closer to the roadway.

The campaign is organised by CSDD with the State Police and partners BALTA, Virši and Narvesen. It is funded from CSDD and Road Traffic Safety Council resources.