The Russian government has outlined new measures aimed at reversing a rise in traffic accidents recorded since the start of the year, according to a report by Kommersant. The publication details a coordinated plan designed to be put in place across the country, touching multiple agencies and regional administrations.
In the report, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin is described as directing Rosavtodor, the state company Avtodor, regional authorities, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to formulate detailed road-safety plans. These plans should specify the timeframes and the resources required for implementation, with a deadline pushed to December 1, 2023. The objective is to map out financing, staffing, and procurement steps that will support concrete safety improvements on Russia’s road network.
The envisaged improvements include the installation of pedestrian crossings equipped with speed-reducing features such as bumps, and the deployment of traffic lights at irregular crossings along roads with four or more lanes. Additional measures are planned to reduce the likelihood of vehicles leaving the highway, including the introduction of noise-reducing strips and the installation of diagonal “Traffic Direction” signs to guide drivers as they approach turns on two-lane routes. These elements are intended to calm traffic, enhance visibility, and provide clearer navigation for drivers amid increasingly complex road geometries.
Moreover, the plan calls for a strategic review of camera deployment on high-risk road segments. A decision on the placement or relocation of speed and surveillance cameras is expected to be resolved by March 1, 2024, with the aim of improving enforcement and real-time feedback for drivers in danger zones. This aspect reflects a broader trend toward data-driven safety management, using monitoring tools to identify hotspots and allocate resources efficiently.
Kommersant notes that the government has already begun preparing a new national road-safety strategy for the period 2025–2035. Under this framework, all relevant federal departments will be required to submit proposals by the end of 2024, signaling a long-term, cross-ministerial approach to reducing accidents, improving emergency response, and promoting safer driving culture across Russia’s transportation system. The strategy is expected to align with modernization efforts across the public sector and to integrate with regional road-investment programs.
Earlier reports indicated that Rosstandart may be seeking to recall thousands of foreign-registered vehicles in Russia due to incorrect customs clearance procedures, a development that could influence vehicle compliance and enforcement dynamics on national roads. The broader policy environment appears to be converging on stricter oversight of vehicle entry, safer road design, and more robust enforcement measures. This combination could help to lower accident rates while ensuring that vehicles entering or operating within the country meet established safety and regulatory standards.
Additionally, observers noted that certain models or classes of cars were expected to face supply restrictions or changes in availability after a specified date, reflecting the ongoing interplay between regulatory action and market conditions. While the precise impact on consumer choices remains to be seen, the overarching emphasis remains on safer road usage, better infrastructure, and a clearer regulatory framework to guide both drivers and operators of the transport system. Taken together, these developments indicate a comprehensive effort to modernize Russia’s road safety landscape and reduce the human and economic costs of traffic incidents. (Kommersant, 2023)