Six lives lost daily: President raises alarm over road fatalities

In 2024, a total of 2,203 people lost their lives in road accidents across Uzbekistan, with the highest number of fatalities recorded in the Samarkand, Tashkent, and Fergana regions. This was announced on July 9 during a videoconference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to improving road safety and reducing traffic congestion.

The Head of State emphasized that the sector still faces many unresolved challenges. It was noted that the economic loss from road accidents amounts to approximately 0.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

According to official data, 9,364 road accidents occurred nationwide last year, leaving nearly 9,000 people injured. Most tragically, 2,203 people died in these incidents. Samarkand, Tashkent, and Fergana regions registered the highest death tolls.

In the first six months of 2025, the number of road accidents remained high in 20 regions.

However, improvements were observed in several districts and cities where no fatalities were recorded, including Muynok, Nukus, Takhtakopir, Qonlikol, Yangiabad, Turakurgan, Aqkurgan, Saykhunabad, Bulaqbashi, Ulugnor, Bandikhon, as well as the cities of Akhangaron, Shirin, Nurafshon, and Khanabad.

Conversely, a worrying increase in serious accidents was noted in districts such as Kyzyltepa, Uychi, Pakhtachi, Chust, Toyloq, Urgut, Shovot, Pastdargam, Yakkabog, Qoshkopir, Khanka, Denov, Peshku, Beruniy, Almazar, and Bektemir.

Despite Uzbekistan having the lowest number of road fatalities per 100,000 people among CIS countries, the President warned against complacency.

“Unfortunately, the fact that 1 person dies in every 4 accidents—or an average of 6 people per day—should be a cause for serious concern for everyone,” President Mirziyoyev stated.