In a situation where more than a thousand people become victims of road traffic accidents every year, the need to change the driver training system has become extremely urgent. President Sadyr Japarov highlighted this reform as an important strategic step for the country in an interview with the Kabar agency, calling on society to understand it.
- Hello, Sadyr Nurgoyoevich! The discussion about replacing driver's licenses and training to obtain a license is still actively ongoing in society.
What is the main goal of this reform? How critical is it for the state? Will it lead to the loss of previously achieved positive results?
- This reform does not cancel or question previous achievements in any way. We have already implemented many significant initiatives at both the national and international levels.
We have returned "Kumtor" to state ownership and increased the gold reserves. If earlier our concerns were about external debts, now there are no such problems.
The construction of the "Kambar-Ata-1" hydropower station and several other hydroelectric power stations is underway. The project for the railway "China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan" is being implemented. All border issues have also been resolved. Foreign policy has significantly improved.
Airports are operating at full capacity, and new airplanes are being put into operation. Housing is provided through the GIK for up to 25 years. Salaries are increasing.
The army has been strengthened. Hotels from 5 to 7 stars are being built. The number of tourists is growing every year.
ALL THESE SUCCESSES ARE EQUIVALENT TO THE REFORM BEING IMPLEMENTED IN "UNAA"
Significant progress has been made over the past five years. I have only mentioned the main directions.
If we consider all these achievements collectively, the reform regarding "UNAA" is no less important.
This reform directly affects human lives—the most valuable asset of the state. The statistics on road traffic accident fatalities speak for themselves. The situation remains critical.
Is it normal that more than a thousand people die every year?!
The number of road traffic accident victims exceeds the losses during wartime.
Some lose their children, others are left orphaned.
Cases where entire families die in accidents are not uncommon.
How many people become disabled?!
About 10,000 people are injured every year.
Most of them become disabled.
We have no right to allow this.
If we do not take urgent measures and carry out the reform, the situation will only worsen.
We need to endure a little and bring this area into order.
Of course, an ideal result will not be achieved immediately.
There will be difficulties, but over time the system will improve.
The fruits of this reform will not be visible instantly,
they will manifest in 50–60 years. When the generation that has been buying driver's licenses for 30 years is gone, and those who are currently undergoing training for 10 months remain, as well as the children who will start training in schools in September, then the result will become evident.
This will take 50–60 years.
If we introduce strict rules and carry out the reform, the system will stabilize, and the statistics will change. Mortality will decrease.
Then society will appreciate our efforts.
I urge the public to support these changes and approach them with understanding.
I also apologize to the owners of private driving schools for their closure.
I do this not for personal gain, but for our common future.
There have been cases where employees who issued certificates and licenses for money lost their loved ones in road accidents, as they were hit by a driver who bought a license.
This was a sign from the Almighty for these employees. Therefore, I recommend they change their business.
- The main dissatisfaction is related to the duration of driver training. Can the 10-month training period be reconsidered?
These 10 months are not accidental. They are based on international training standards.
In many countries, the training period is at least one year. Our experts have adapted it to 10 months.
I myself observe: "If there is an opportunity, consider the option of condensing the program, for example, holding classes 5 times a week for 2 hours instead of three times a week." That is, from Monday to Friday.
In addition, online training is now available. It is not necessary to attend a driving school; one can participate in online classes from home. We spend a lot of time on the internet, after all.
Can we not allocate 2 hours a day for studying? 10 months will pass quickly.
If it turns out that in 5-6 months students are fully prepared and successfully pass the exams, then we can consider shortening the training period. But preparing a trainee in such a short time is extremely difficult.
The number of those who trained for 3.5 months and did not pass the exam reaches 90%. And this figure may still increase.
Recently, we implemented an artificial intelligence system, and now exams are taken by a robot. The human factor is completely excluded.
Previously, among those 10% who passed the exams after 3 months of training, there could have been cases where instructors "helped a little."
In conclusion, I appeal once again to everyone:
The training program includes not only studying traffic rules but also driving ethics.
No matter how difficult it is for you, I ask you to support our efforts aimed at caring for the future.
Interviewed by the director of KNA "Kabar," Mederbek Shermetaliev.
