Road traffic accident data underreported over five times in Kazakhstan

No less than 90,000 road traffic accidents occurred in Kazakhstan in 2023 that is 5.5 times more than the official data, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Experts of the Eurasia insurance company said that over 3% out of 5 million cars recorded countrywide got in an accident last year citing insurance compensations sent to the state credit bureau. Among the leading causes of traffic accidents are reckless driving, worn-out vehicles, and poor road conditions. Many roads are overloaded forcing some drivers to drive in the oncoming lanes. There are some roads countrywide with a lack of traffic lights that put pedestrians at risk. The key task is to decrease road accidents and fatalities. It is essential to strengthen control over road traffic regulation, increase the responsibility of drivers, and update road infrastructure. It is crucial to change the approach to road traffic in the cities, reduce speed rates, introduce the Vision Zero principle, and to the utmost renovate the car park, the representatives of the insurance company said.

Besides, the Kazakh Transport Ministry is set to prohibit using right-hand cars as a taxi and to conclude agreements with large transport operators to improve road safety.

Recall that five people from the same family were killed in a road accident in Aktobe region at the close of August.