Road deaths down, but smoking still a problem

RIGA 's Latvia's roads may retain their reputation for dangerous driving, but the picture does seem to be improving.

A total of 86 people aged 24 and under died on the country's roads last year 's a reduction of 49 compared to the previous year and a drop of more than 170 on the 2000 figure. The vast majority of that number consists of males. Young Latvian men are notoious for their aggressive and dangerous risk-taking behind the wheel.

Figures relating to levels of mortality among young people in 2006 show that most trends are positive. 547 young people lost their lives during 2006, a figure which is down 48 on 2005 and down 219 on the 2000 results.

The only significant area in which the trend is upwards is circulatory diseases, with 37 young Latvians dying last year against 28 in 2000. This may be explained by increasing levels of smoking among young people.

Despite the improvements, in comparison with other countries of Europe, the Baltic States, including Latvia, still have one the highest rates of mortality among young people.