Kazakhstan has launched a new free roadside assistance service for drivers on national highways, reports infohub.kz.
According to the press service of KazAvtoZhol, specialized orange pickup trucks have already started operating in pilot mode on the Astana–Arshaly and Astana–Temirtau sections. Assistance can be requested via the unified contact center at 1403. The service is provided free of charge.
After receiving a request, a technical team will be dispatched to the scene. The specialized pickups are equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to provide initial roadside assistance. The vehicles are painted bright orange and fitted with special light signals, making them highly visible to other road users.
Crews can help with flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, towing, and other situations where a driver cannot continue on their own. The main goal of the new service is not only to help motorists but also to promptly resolve potentially dangerous situations on the road.
“A forced stop on the highway, especially on high-speed sections, at night, or in adverse weather conditions, creates additional risk for all road users. Therefore, it is important to mark the stopping point as quickly as possible, provide the driver with necessary assistance, and, if needed, move the vehicle to a safe place,” said KazAvtoZhol.
It is noted that the pilot project will help assess the demand for the service, crew response times, and the most common reasons for driver calls. The experience gained will be used in the further development of the technical assistance system on national highways.
How to get help: In case of a breakdown or other emergency on a national highway, call the short number 1403, inform the operator of your location, direction of travel, and describe the problem. Until the technical team arrives, drivers are advised to move their vehicle off the roadway if possible, turn on hazard lights, and follow safety measures.