Over 8,000 reflectors to be handed out free across Latvia

The Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) will hand out more than 8,000 reflectors free of charge in Latvia starting Sunday, as part of its “Nāvīgi stilīgi” (“Deadly Stylish”) campaign. They will be available during the “Staro Rīga” light festival, at Narvesen retail outlets across the country and at an evening run in Riga. The goal is to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the dark season.

Why it matters

According to CSDD data, 36 pedestrians died in Latvia during darkness in 2025, and nine have died so far this year. Over the past five years, most fatal accidents were recorded in Riga and the Riga region, and the most dangerous hours are 17:00 to 20:00. A CSDD survey shows that only 14% of residents always use reflectors in the dark, while 33% almost never or never do.

Where to get reflectors

From 15 to 18 November, an illuminated stand at the “Galerija Centrs” shopping centre on Rīdzenes Street, set up during the “Staro Rīga” festival with the support of insurer BALTA, will give out 4,000 reflectors. BALTA management board chair Sanita Glovecka urged visitors to take a reflector with them to stay visible after the festival lights go out.

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

On 19 November, CSDD, together with the CCAF running club, will organise an evening run in Riga, CCAF Night Run, whose participants will hand out reflectors. Club founder Nils Raumanis stressed that moving around the city calls for a responsible attitude to one's own safety.

Recommendations

CSDD reminds people that without reflective elements a driver can spot a pedestrian in the dark only at a distance of 25–40 metres, 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.