Since the start of 2024, traffic accidents in Russia have fallen by almost a third, according to a study by VSK Insurance House shared with socialbites.ca. In the first quarter of 2024, the accident rate on Russian roads dropped by 27 percent. Traditionally, drivers of domestic cars were most often at fault for crashes. The anti-rating of the most dangerous models remained unchanged from the previous year, with VAZ, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Renault appearing on the list.
The company notes a clear downward trend in crashes involving the brands mentioned above: AvtoVAZ saw a 37 percent decrease, Renault and Toyota each dropped by 29 percent, Hyundai by 37 percent, and Kia by 42 percent. At the same time, accident rates involving Chinese brands rose during the period: Geely up by 12 percent, Chery up by 30 percent, and Haval up by 44 percent.
In the first quarter of 2024, Moscow, the Krasnodar Territory, and Bashkortostan reported the highest numbers of road incidents. The most disciplined drivers were observed in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Volgograd Region, and St. Petersburg. There is a note that a well-known taxi car brand tends to be more prone to accidents in this period, suggesting brand-related risk factors that warrant closer monitoring and defensive driving practices.
The overarching picture shows shifting dynamics on Russian roads, with decreasing overall accidents among traditional brands while a noticeable rise appears for certain newer or foreign-branded vehicles. This could reflect changes in market share, consumer preferences, and exposure on highways and city streets. For insurers and policymakers, the data emphasizes the importance of ongoing road safety campaigns, targeted driver education, and careful assessment of risk associated with different car segments. Analysts caution that regional variation remains significant, and continued observation is essential to understand how vehicle type, driver behavior, and infrastructure interact to shape safety outcomes across the country. The findings underscore the value of up-to-date, granular data for risk assessment and public safety initiatives, in addition to ongoing reviews of vehicle safety standards and traffic enforcement practices. Attribution: VSK Insurance House.