Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 9 July, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on improving road safety, modernizing road infrastructure, and reducing traffic congestion. The president’s press secretary, Sherzod Asadov, reported the details.

The president stressed that despite ongoing efforts, there remain many unresolved issues in this area. According to estimates, road traffic accidents cause economic damage amounting to approximately 0.4% of the country’s gross domestic product.

In 2024, a total of 9,364 traffic accidents were recorded in Uzbekistan, resulting in nearly 9,000 injuries. A total of 2,203 people lost their lives in these incidents. The highest number of fatalities occurred in the Samarkand, Tashkent, and Fergana regions.

Nevertheless, some districts have achieved significant improvements thanks to coordinated efforts by local authorities and the Road Safety Service. For instance, in the districts of Muynak, Nukus, Takhtakupir, Kanlikul, Yangiabad, Turakurgan, Akkurgan, Saykhunabad, Bulakbashi, Ulughnor, Bandikhan, as well as the cities of Akhangaran, Shirin, Nurafshon, and Khanabad, no traffic fatalities have been recorded this year.

At the same time, high mortality rates from traffic accidents persist in other areas, including Kyzyltepa, Uychi, Pakhtachi, Chust, Taylak, Urgut, Shavat, Pastdargom, Yakkabag, Kushkupir, Khanka, Denau, Peshku, Beruni, Almazar, and Bektemir districts.

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.

He also noted that where local governors and traffic safety services work in close coordination and systematically develop infrastructure, tangible improvements are seen.

As an example, he cited a six-kilometer section of the D-105 highway (Fergana ring road) passing through the city of Chust. There, thanks to the installation of protective barriers, not a single fatal accident has occurred this year—whereas in previous years, about ten people died annually on that stretch.