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Kazakhstan is set to significantly enhance road safety across the country with a series of new regulations and technological advancements aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities. The measures were discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, focusing on preventative strategies and stricter enforcement.

Addressing the Road Safety Crisis

Despite a recent 4% decrease in road fatalities this year, the situation remains a serious concern. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, approximately 40,000 people are injured and nearly 2,500 lose their lives on Kazakh roads annually. Minister Yerzhan Sadenov highlighted that human error is the primary cause, accounting for 90% of all accidents. This year alone, over 3 million traffic violations were recorded, and 5,500 drunk drivers were apprehended.

Stricter Technical Inspections

Vehicle safety checks are becoming more rigorous. Heavy goods vehicles and buses will now require reflective markings to pass their technical inspections. Requirements for vehicles equipped with gas cylinder systems are also being tightened. Prime Minister Bektenov has instructed the Ministry of Transport to completely overhaul the technical inspection system, eliminating bureaucratic formalities and ensuring genuine compliance.

Expanding Speed Monitoring and Enforcement

The effectiveness of average speed cameras has been recognized, with orders to deploy them not only on toll roads but also on roads of regional importance. Following the successful implementation in Astana, a 'covert' patrol system will be introduced nationwide. "Drivers must understand that they need to follow the rules at all times, not just when they see a camera," emphasized Bektenov.

New Regulations for Electric Scooters

Personal electric mobility devices are also under scrutiny. New regulations specifically targeting electric scooters are slated to take effect from July 1, 2026, aiming to integrate them more safely into traffic flow.

Focus on High-Risk Areas

The Prime Minister specifically addressed a recent high-profile accident in Almaty that claimed the lives of three young individuals. The Mayor of Almaty, Yerbolat Dosayev, has been tasked with implementing urgent measures to reduce accident rates in the city, including the development of intelligent traffic management systems.

These comprehensive changes signal a strong commitment from the Kazakh government to create safer roads for all users.

Source: azh.kz