Road safety remains a major challenge in Central Asia and the Caucasus, with both regions recording some of the highest traffic-related fatality rates globally, Eurasianet reports. Data indicates an increase in road deaths in several countries, highlighting ongoing concerns about vehicle safety, driving behaviour, and infrastructure conditions.
Rising fatalities in Central Asia
Traffic-related deaths in Central Asia have shown an upward trend. Kazakhstan recorded 2,579 road fatalities in 2024, the highest in a decade. Tajikistan also registered 552 deaths, marking the highest total since at least 2005. While Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have made some progress in reducing fatalities over the past decade, Kyrgyzstan still had the second-highest accident rate in the region, with approximately 1,000 incidents per mn people in 2024.
Traffic risks in the Caucasus
The Caucasus region faces similar challenges. Georgia recorded 444 traffic fatalities in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year and consistent with figures from the past five years. Armenia and Azerbaijan reported declines in fatalities, though Armenia’s numbers remain higher than those recorded a decade ago.
According to global rankings, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are among the countries with the highest road-related fatality rates per mn people. Kazakhstan had the highest rate in both regions in 2024, with 129 deaths per mn people.
Contributing factors to high fatality rates
Multiple factors contribute to road safety issues in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Poorly maintained vehicles, aggressive and impaired driving, and inadequate road infrastructure are frequently cited as primary concerns. Insufficient road markings and poor enforcement of traffic laws further exacerbate safety risks.
Economic consequences of road fatalities
The economic impact of road accidents is substantial. Estimates suggest that approximately two-thirds of road fatalities in Central Asia involve males aged 18-44, who are often primary income earners. This loss places financial strain on affected households, with many seeking state support. In Kazakhstan, the government allocates approximately USD 1,645 annually per family that has lost a breadwinner in a traffic accident.
A study conducted by the World Bank in 2017 assessed the broader economic effects of traffic injuries and fatalities. The findings indicated that 90% of global road deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Central Asia and the Caucasus. The study estimated that road accidents cost developing economies 1-2% of their gross national product (GNP) annually.
Research based on data from five middle-income countries—China, India, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Thailand—demonstrated that reducing road traffic injuries could have a measurable impact on economic growth. The study concluded that improving road safety would lead to significant income gains across different economies.
Efforts to enhance road safety in Central Asia and the Caucasus will require comprehensive measures, including stricter traffic regulations, infrastructure improvements, and better enforcement of safety standards. Addressing these issues could reduce fatalities and lessen the economic burden associated with road accidents.
