Kyrgyzstan's government urges focus on saving lives, not just issuing traffic fines
Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kyrgyzstan's cabinet urged authorities to prioritize saving lives over issuing traffic fines.
- The focus should shift from reacting to consequences to preventing accident causes, emphasizing a safe environment for all road users.
- Key strategies include risk-based approaches, public education, intelligent transport systems, and improved infrastructure design.
Kyrgyzstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev stressed a fundamental shift in road safety policy, urging officials to move beyond simply issuing fines and instead focus on preventing accidents. During a working trip to the Issyk-Kul region, Amangeldiev chaired a commission meeting on traffic safety, emphasizing that the primary measure of success should be saved lives, not the number of citations issued.
We must move from reacting to consequences to the systemic prevention of accident causes.
"We must move from reacting to consequences to the systemic prevention of accident causes," Amangeldiev stated. He highlighted the need for a "safe environment that minimizes risks for all road users." This new philosophy calls for a transition to a modern, risk-oriented approach in traffic management, coupled with extensive public outreach and educational campaigns.
Key strategic directions outlined include the widespread adoption of intelligent transport systems and digital monitoring tools. Amangeldiev also underscored the importance of designing road infrastructure to meet stringent safety standards. Furthermore, improved inter-agency coordination and greater public involvement in fostering a responsible driving culture were deemed crucial.
The main indicator of the effectiveness of government agencies should not be the number of protocols drawn up and fines issued, but saved human lives and the formation of a safe environment that minimizes risks for all road users.
The commission issued specific directives to enhance control over traffic rule compliance. Officials are tasked with developing additional measures to prevent road traffic incidents, particularly those resulting in fatalities. "Through joint efforts, systematic and continuous work, we must achieve real and tangible results in preserving the lives and health of our citizens," Amangeldiev concluded.
Through joint efforts, systematic and continuous work, we must achieve real and tangible results in preserving the lives and health of our citizens.
Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.