The situation on the night roads of Kyrgyzstan has reached a critical point, and for most careful drivers, safety on the roads has become a matter of life and death. This was stated by political scientist Bakyt Baketaev in an interview with VB.KG.
The expert emphasized the importance of active state control in the fight against aggression on the roads.
“Night trips are always a challenge, but lately they have turned into a real fight for survival. We, law-abiding drivers, who are the majority, are tired of enduring. I want to express my gratitude to the Minister of Internal Affairs Ulan Omokanovich Niyazbekov for his attention to this problem. He hears our requests and takes action. Night raids are currently being conducted to identify drivers violating light standards and impose serious fines on them,” he noted.
According to Baketaev, makeshift methods of retrofitting vehicles pose a serious threat to all road users.
“The road is not a place for selfishness. At night, you can be blinded not only by rain or fog but also by an inadequate driver. A person who has replaced standard headlights with bright bulbs sees everything, while you see nothing. In an instant, you lose control, which can lead to tragedy. We call such people light hooligans, but in reality, it is a more serious problem. These are those who do not recognize other road users and do not understand that the main commandment on the road is mutual respect. They buy brightness but lose humanity,” emphasizes Bakyt Baketaev.
Speaking about the image of Kyrgyzstan on the international stage, the expert noted the need to comply with global standards in driving culture.
“Kyrgyzstan is not just a country; it is a place where tourists and guests from all over the world come. They get behind the wheel and should feel safe, just like in any civilized country, for example, in Europe, where adherence to standards is part of the culture. But what do they see with us? Blinding lights, loud horns, cars that psychologically pressure other drivers,” he continued.
Baketaev also expressed concern about violations by drivers of large vehicles and enthusiasts of loud driving.
“This is especially dangerous when it comes to trucks and buses. Huge vehicles with powerful headlights and roaring horns scare people. This can lead to sudden steering and accidents. There is another category of drivers who deliberately create noise by installing powerful mufflers that make the air tremble. This is no longer style; it is aggression, a demonstration of contempt for society,” he added.
In conclusion, Bakyt Baketaev called for personal responsibility from all drivers.
“The freedom of one ends where the safety of another begins. We do not demand anything impossible, just adherence to rules, respect, and common sense. If the state, led by the Minister of Internal Affairs, begins to restore order, we have a chance to return the roads to the people. The road is not a place for complacent people but a space for responsibility. We are the majority, and we stand for order,” the expert summarized.
