The leading causes behind traffic crashes in 2023 were linked to driver behavior and situational risk. Carelessness accounted for about two thirds of incidents, while inattentive or risky driving, along with an overconfidence in driving, contributed significantly to the overall danger on roads. A survey conducted by Izvestia in collaboration with Rönesans Insurance group and the Autocode service highlights these patterns, reflecting how everyday choices behind the wheel impact safety across different urban settings.
More than half of participants reported daily encounters with dangerous drivers, and a large majority concluded that the primary danger on the roads comes from drivers rather than pedestrians. The study points to several risk sources: a high share of motorists who engage in phone conversations or chat with passengers while driving, excessive alcohol consumption before hitting the road, and the presence of individuals who organize informal street races in city environments. These factors collectively shape a perception of risk that drivers and authorities must address through awareness and practical safeguards.
The analysis notes that certain streets became notorious for higher accident risk in 2023. Leninsky Prospekt, in particular, was cited as the most dangerous thoroughfare due to the frequent presence of careless drivers. The trend reflects how traffic density, speed, and driver attention interact on major arteries, especially where heavy flows coincide with limited maneuverability or complex intersections.
Following Leninsky Prospekt, Mira Boulevard emerged as a hotspot. This route connects Sukharevskaya Square to the broader districts, featuring numerous traffic lights, heavy congestion, and directional pressures toward Rostokino, Mytishchi, and Korolev. The study also identified Leningradsky Prospekt as a high-risk corridor, with Profsoyuznaya and Lyusinovskaya streets completing the top list. Analysts suggest that camera enforcement and traffic restrictions can deter risky behavior and reduce incident frequency, though effectiveness depends on comprehensive implementation and public cooperation.
In terms of the vehicles most often involved in 2023 crashes, the report notes that models like the Lada Granta and Kia Rio led the statistics. The findings underscore how widely used, everyday car choices intersect with driving habits and road conditions to shape overall safety outcomes. The implications of these trends point toward targeted education for drivers, improved enforcement of traffic rules, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate high-risk scenarios and enhance road safety for all users.