VZCZCXYZ0008
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHRA #0075 0431521
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 121521Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY RIGA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6295
UNCLAS RIGA 000075
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EU SOCI UNDP UNGA LG
SUBJECT: TEXTING AND DRIVING ILLEGAL IN LATVIA
Ref: STATE 6703
The use of cell phones while driving is illegal in Latvia but
statistics on enforcement are scarce. We delivered reftel points to
officials at Latvia's Road and Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), a
unit of the Ministry of Transportation. The use of cell phones and
text messaging is widespread in Latvia, but there is no good data on
the prevalence of distracted driving. The CSDD noted that data on
crashes or injuries resulting from texting while driving would only
be based on unreliable self-reporting. The CSDD did run a one-time
campaign in the summer of 2008 to raise awareness of the dangers of
texting and driving, but is currently focusing its public awareness
resources on drunk driving and use of seatbelts.
GARBER