In Kazakhstan, around 40,000 people are injured in road traffic accidents every year, and the number of deaths reaches 2,500. Against this backdrop, a meeting of the inter-departmental commission chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov discussed accident rates, digital control, and additional safety measures.
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING
Every year, around 40,000 people are injured in road traffic accidents in the country, and approximately 2,500 people die. Despite a decrease in some indicators, the situation remains tense.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in 2025, road traffic accident fatalities fell by 10%, and since the beginning of 2026, by a further 4%. However, meeting participants noted that these results were insufficient.
WHY DO MOST ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
According to the head of the MIA, Yerzhan Sadenov, up to 90% of all road traffic accidents occur due to driver fault. The main causes cited include speeding, traffic rule violations, and poor driving discipline.
Since the start of the year, more than 3 million violations have been recorded, and 5,500 drivers were detained for driving under the influence.
HOW ROAD CONTROL IS BEING STRENGTHENED
Around 30,000 cameras are operating in the country, which record more than 60% of violations.
Akim of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, reported that a large-scale strengthening of road control is being launched in the capital. As part of the Smart City project, 1,200 traffic violation recording systems will become operational, and more than 60,000 cameras will be connected to the Unified Situational Centre.
Furthermore, average speed control systems have already shown a 15% reduction in accidents. Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, reported that the system will be expanded to an additional 18 sections of roads. Currently, this mechanism operates on 8 of the busiest toll sections, with a total length of 2,000 km.
HOW THE ACCIDENT IN ALMATY WAS RESPONDED TO
Special attention was paid to the accident on Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty, which resulted in the deaths of three young people.
The Prime Minister instructed the Akim of Almaty, Darkhan Satybaldy, to take additional measures to reduce accident rates.
WHAT WILL CHANGE FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Yerzhan Sadenov reported that from 1 July 2026, additional requirements for the use of electric scooters will be introduced, including compulsory liability insurance and tighter requirements for scooter-sharing companies.
Olzhas Bektenov instructed the akimats to identify locations for electric scooter parking as a matter of urgency and to establish no-go zones for traffic with appropriate road signs.