According to a survey conducted by FlixBus and Norstat Latvia, approximately 30% of Latvians rarely or never use seatbelts when traveling on long-distance buses. The report indicates that the two main reasons for this behavior are that passengers either do not notice the seatbelts or find them uncomfortable. This highlights a significant gap in safety awareness among the public, especially concerning a mode of transportation that is critically dependent on both operator protocols and passenger responsibilities.

FlixBus's vice president for the Eastern European region, Mikhail Lemans, emphasized the shared responsibility in ensuring passenger safety. While transport operators play a significant role, passengers also need to take active steps to prioritize their own safety, including using seatbelts. The statistics reveal a concerning trend, with only 39% of respondents regularly using seatbelts, and the lowest usage rates observed in regions like Zemgale (35%) and Latgale (29%). This raises questions about safety culture within public transportation in Latvia.

The survey findings suggest that there is a pressing need for increased public education about the importance of seatbelt use in buses. Awareness campaigns might be necessary to address the common misconceptions regarding comfort and visibility of seatbelts. By improving educational outreach, both bus operators and government agencies can work together to foster a culture of safety that encourages all passengers to buckle up during their journeys, thereby potentially reducing the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.