This year, police will use calming stops across Estonia. Last year, 172 speed violators calmed down, and this year there are already 160. Police plan to conduct about 90 calming stops this year.
A calming stop means that if a driver exceeds the speed limit by up to 20 km/h, they can choose: either pay a fine or calm down for 45 minutes. Police say people have reacted positively to this measure. Some don't want to calm down if they are in a hurry or if they are tourists. But most Estonians are willing to calm down.
The highest number of calming stops have been in Harju and Viljandi counties. Police want traffic to be safer. During a calming stop, drivers can complete traffic safety tasks. For example, they can test their reaction speed on their phone.
Police carefully plan the locations for calming stops. There must be a good parking spot. Locations are chosen where speeding is particularly dangerous. For example, where there is a risk to pedestrians or other vehicles.
Last year was the safest traffic year in Estonia. This trend continues this year.