July 3 marks the foundation day of the traffic police. On this date in 1936, the Union of People’s Commissars approved the Regulations for the State Automobile Inspectorate of the Main Directorate of the Workers and Peasants’ Militia of the NKVD of the USSR. That approval brought into existence the first seven departments of the State Automobile Inspectorate, initially staffed by 57 employees. Today, the traffic police workforce has grown to more than 83,000 people, with 57.5 percent serving as road traffic inspectors. Over the decades, the service has expanded in size and capability, reflecting the evolving needs of transportation safety and enforcement across the country.
Over the past decade, Russian roads have become markedly safer thanks to the traffic police’s efforts. The likelihood of dying in traffic incidents has roughly halved, and the downward trend in fatal accidents continues. Since the start of this year, January through May, casualty numbers fell by 8.2 percent compared with the same period in 2021, reaching 41,900. Fatalities declined by 3.1 percent to about 4,467 lives lost, and the total number of traffic victims dropped to around 53,101, an 8.5 percent reduction from the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities decreased by 8.1 percent. While no metric is perfect, the trajectory clearly shows improvement and ongoing commitment to road safety and enforcement.
First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Gorovoy extended congratulations to traffic police officers and veterans on their professional holiday, highlighting the essential role of the service in protecting citizens on the road. He noted that the ongoing mission is to reduce accidents and to provide timely help to those in need on the transport network, emphasizing that safeguarding life, health, and public calm on the roads remains a central objective of the department. The message conveyed appreciation for the frontline work carried out daily under challenging conditions and a pledge to uphold high standards of professionalism and duty.
Appreciation was also extended to the veterans of the State Traffic Inspectorate, whose legacy established enduring traditions of dedication and courage. The continuation of these traditions rests with today’s workforce and the future generations, who are called to preserve and expand the standards of service and integrity. The hope was voiced that all employees of the State Traffic Inspectorate would continue to serve with excellence, while families of workers received steady support and veterans enjoyed continued health and well‑being. The voices of celebration reflected a shared gratitude for the service that keeps roads organized and safer for everyone on them.
The editorial team of Behind the Wheel joined the Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior in extending congratulations and recognizing the significance of this milestone in the history of traffic policing. [citation: official statements from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and retrospective summaries of road safety trends]