AKIPRESS.COM - A total of 9,364 traffic accidents were recorded in Uzbekistan in 2024, resulting in nearly 9,000 injuries. A total of 2,203 people lost their lives in these incidents. Road traffic accidents cause economic damage amounting to approximately 0.4% of the country's gross domestic product, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a meeting focused on improving road safety, modernizing road infrastructure, and reducing traffic congestion on July 8.
The highest number of fatalities occurred in Samarkand, Tashkent, and Fergana regions. According to Mirziyoyev, the number of road accidents remained high in 20 districts in January-June, although the situation improved in some places. For example, there have been no fatal accidents in the cities of Akhangaran, Nurafshon, Shirin and Khanabad since the beginning of the year.
The President pointed out that while Uzbekistan's road fatality rate per 100,000 people remains low compared to other CIS countries, this is no reason for complacency.
"It is horrifying that every fourth accident results in a death. On average, six people die on our roads every day. This should deeply concern everyone who bears responsibility," Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has highlighted a concerning trend in traffic accidents, attributing it to the lack of adequate attention to road infrastructure by local authorities. A recent study revealed significant shortcomings: 1,557 kilometers of roads lack concrete and metal barriers, 967 kilometers have no sidewalks, and there's a shortage of 38,000 necessary road signs.
The country has launched the national program "Safe Road", aiming to reduce accidents by improving infrastructure. As part of this initiative, a special fund will be placed under the direct subordination of the Uzbek government.
This year, 400 billion soums ($31.5 million) from various sources will be allocated for road improvements. Additionally, 25% of fines collected from traffic violations recorded by photo and video radars will be directed to this fund. These funds will primarily prioritize equipping dangerous sections of roads with barriers, signs, lighting, pedestrian markings, and more.
An electronic portal is also being introduced, where heads of administrations will provide information on work being done on hazardous roads, including cost estimates. Citizens will be able to vote for projects, report problematic areas, and provide feedback on officials' work through this portal.
The President also addressed the interaction between law enforcement and drivers. He cited data showing that motorists committed 24 million violations last year, 81% of which were serious. This issue has become chronic in Tashkent, Tashkent, Samarkand, and Kashkadarya regions.
To combat repeat offenders, a "Malicious Violators" program is being launched, which will toughen penalties. For instance, drivers caught running a red light twice in a month or speeding five times will not have their fines reduced for a year. Similarly, for committing such violations 10 times in a month, drivers will be stripped of their licenses for up to six months.
Mirziyoyev also raised concerns about discipline within road safety agencies. He noted numerous complaints about fines being issued 7-8 months after a traffic violation. The President emphasized that if a penalty is not issued within one month, the driver has the right to refuse payment.
According to official information, 9,839 road traffic accidents occurred in Uzbekistan in 2023, resulting in 2,282 fatalities.