Considering that more than a thousand people die annually in road traffic accidents, changing the driver training system has become extremely necessary. In an interview with the Kabar agency, President Sadyr Japarov noted that this reform is strategically important for the state and called on society to support it.
-Hello, Sadyr Nurgoyevich! The issues related to the replacement of driver's licenses and training for obtaining a license are still actively discussed in society.
What is the main goal of this reform? How important is it for our country? Will it lead to the loss of previously achieved positive results?
— No, this reform does not cancel or question previous successes. We have already implemented many significant initiatives at both the domestic and international levels.
We returned "Kumtor" to state ownership. We increased gold reserves. If we were previously worried about external debts, today we have no problems in this regard.
Currently, the "Kambar-Ata-1" hydropower station and other hydroelectric plants are being built. The project for the railway line "China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan" is being implemented. Border issues have been finally resolved. Foreign policy has improved.
Airports are actively functioning, and new airplanes are being purchased. Housing programs through the GIC offer housing to the population for up to 25 years. Salaries are increasing.
We have strengthened the army. Hotels of 5–7 star levels are being built. The number of tourists is increasing every year.
BUT IF WE COMBINE ALL THESE EFFORTS, THE REFORM AT THE "UNAA" ENTERPRISE IS ON PAR WITH THEM
In other words, over the past 5 years, we have accomplished a huge amount of work. I have only outlined the main directions.
If we consider all these achievements collectively, the reform concerning the "UNAA" enterprise is of no less importance.
This reform directly affects human life – the most valuable asset of the state. We all see the mortality statistics due to road accidents. The situation remains complicated.
Is it normal that a thousand people die every year?!
More people die in road accidents than in war.
Some lose a child, while others become orphans.
There have been cases where entire families died in accidents.
And how many people are left disabled?!
Every year about 10,000 people are injured.
The majority of them become disabled.
We cannot allow this.
If we do not urgently take measures and carry out the reform, the situation will worsen year by year.
It is now important to endure a little and bring the industry in order. Of course, we will not achieve perfect results immediately.
There will be shortcomings. But over time, the system will improve.
The fruits of this reform will not be visible immediately; its results will manifest in 50–60 years. When our generation, which has been buying driver's licenses for 30 years, is gone, there will be a generation that undergoes training for 10 months, as well as children who will start learning in schools from September; only then will the results be noticeable.
This will take 50–60 years. If we introduce strict rules and carry out the reform now, the system will stabilize, and the statistics will change. Mortality will decrease.
Then society will draw the appropriate conclusions.
Therefore, I urge everyone to support these changes and approach them with understanding.
I also apologize to the owners of private driving schools for their closure.
I am not doing this for personal gain; this is our common future.
There have been cases where even employees who issued certificates and licenses for money lost loved ones in road accidents because they were hit by a driver who bought a license.
This was a sign from the Almighty for these employees. Therefore, I advise them to consider other business options.
— The main dissatisfaction is related to the duration of driver training. Is there a possibility to reconsider the 10-month training period?
These 10 months are not accidental. They are based on international standards. In many countries, training lasts at least a year. Our specialists have adapted the program to 10 months.
I personally suggest: "If possible, consider increasing the frequency of classes, for example, instead of 3 times a week for 2 hours, hold classes 5 times a week for 2 hours." That is, from Monday to Friday.
Moreover, online training is now available. It is not necessary to come to the driving school; you can participate in online classes from home. We already spend a lot of time on the internet.
Can't we allocate 2 hours a day for training? 10 months will pass quickly.
If in the end it turns out that students are ready and successfully pass exams in 5-6 months, then the question of reducing the training period can be considered. 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 reached 90%. And this figure may still rise.
Recently, we implemented an artificial intelligence system. Exams are now administered by a robot, eliminating the human factor.
Previously, among those 10% who passed exams after 3 months of training, there could have been cases where instructors "supported" their students.
Thus, in conclusion, I once again appeal to the entire population:
The training program includes not only studying traffic rules but also learning driving ethics.
No matter how difficult it is for you, I ask you to support our actions aimed at caring for the future.
