A European Road Safety Charter presentation and signing event was held at the Reval Hotel Olümpia, Liivalaia 33 in Tallin (Estonia), on 17 June 2009. 31 Estonian and 1 Lithuanian stakeholders signed their unique commitments to help save lives on Estonia’s roads. This number is particularly significant as Estonia is a relatively small nation of approximately 1,4 million inhabitants. Over 110 participants attended this event, demonstrating the country’s growing interest and involvement in improving road safety.
 
Mr Toivo Klaar, Head of Representation of the European Commission in Estonia, introduced the event and welcomed the participants.
Mr Juhan Parts, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication, addressed road safety priorities in Estonia, emphasizing the latest enhancements to Estonia’s National Traffic Safety Programme 2003 – 2015.
 
2008 was the sixth year when road safety actions were organized within the National Traffic Safety Programme. The main goal of this is to reduce fatalities by 2015 in order to reach the point where the number is lower than 100 a year (a 10 - 15 times decrease). Significant changes are also planned in the training of learner drivers, in order to improve their skills and knowledge, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Driving license requirements and conditions are also to be revised.
 
Estonia is also looking to form alliances, to share and learn from the implementation of successful road safety practises in other European countries. “Taking into account the positive experience of other countries and practices, Estonia is currently considering the introduction of penalty points and to influence leaders to improve road safety,” Mr Parts said. He added that the latest version of the programme also proposes greater attention to be given to cyclists, motorcyclists and child safety on Estonian roads through “the compulsory use of cycle helmets from under 16’s and of motorcycle helmets for motorcyclists and moped users.”
 
The stakeholders that signed commitments to take concrete action that positively influences road safety at this event are: AS Tallink Grupp, Car magazine, Estonian Autosport Union, Estonian Union of Child Welfare, Estonian Association of Kinder Gardens, The Estonian Traffic Insurance Fund, Estonian Post Ltd., Association of Estonian International Road Carriers, Estonian Scout Association, K-Projekt Ltd., Kuresaare City Goverment, Estonian Association of Driving Schools, Estonian Neighborhood Watch NGO, Narva City Goverment, Olympic Casino, Operation Lifesaver Estonia, OU Autosõit, Rakvere City Government, Stratum OÜ, Swedbank, Tallinna Laagna Gümnaasium, Tallinn Children's Hospital Foundation, Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool, Tallinn University of Technology-Department of Transport, Tallinna Vesi, United Motors, Valga City Government, Vänta Aga Cycling Club, Võru City Goverment, Tallinn City Government. The Union of Estonian Automobile Enterprises renewed its commitment for the European Road Safety Charter.
Lithuania’s Swedbank AB also signed a brand new commitment.