Six Lives a Day: Why Road Accident Death Rate in Kazakhstan Is Higher Than in Europe and Central Asia

Last year, an average of six people died on the roads of Kazakhstan every day. The situation is worsening: while 13,300 road accidents were recorded in 2020, by 2025 that number had risen to more than 36,100 — almost three times more, Orda.kz reports.

This year offers little reason for optimism. According to Energyprom.kz analysts, about 4,100 accidents were already registered in January–February. The number of injured has increased 2.6 times since 2020, while deaths have risen by 16,7%. In 2025, 49,200 people were injured and 2,300 died. In the first two months of 2026 alone, there were 5,600 injured and 222 dead.

Kazakhstan lags behind neighbors and Europe

The indicators look unfavorable compared to other countries. In 2023, the road traffic fatality rate in Germany, for example, was 2.6 per 100,000 people, while in Kazakhstan it was 12.7. In other Central Asian countries, the figures are also lower: Turkmenistan — 5.1, Tajikistan — 5.7, Russia — 8.4 per 100,000 people.

What other countries do differently

The reasons go beyond the human factor. In developed countries, the severe consequences of road accidents are mitigated through systemic solutions: high‑quality infrastructure, well‑planned traffic organization, and regular maintenance. Road funds play an important role, accumulating resources from fees and fines.

In Germany, such funds raise up to nine billion dollars annually. With a comparable number of deaths (2,800 against 2,300 in Kazakhstan), the difference lies in the consequences of accidents: in Germany, about 296,000 accidents with injuries and another 2.2 million without injuries are recorded. This means accidents occur more frequently, but less often result in fatalities.

Chronic underfunding of road infrastructure

Kazakhstan lacks systematic funding. Recently, deputies proposed creating a dedicated road fund, as the current model depends on the budget and is highly unstable.

If last year the adjusted budget for road transport development increased by 7% compared to 2024, exceeding 1.5 trillion tenge, then under the 2026 draft budget, this forecast indicator has decreased by 20%. Only 1.2 trillion tenge has been allocated for the construction and repair of roads of various levels this year. the statement said. 

The reason for the funding reduction in 2026 is the lack of transfers from the National Fund. At the same time, the industry’s annual need is estimated at 1.9 trillion tenge. Actual funding does not cover the workload or the rate of wear and tear.

Road quality contributes to one in five accidents

The problem is compounded by the condition of the roads themselves. According to statistics, one in five accidents is linked to road quality — coating defects, markings, and so on. At the beginning of 2026, the share of such accidents was 22,4%.

Data for 2024–2025 shows the scale:

• 972 accidents occurred due to slippery roads;
• 193 people died over two years for this reason;
• accidents due to potholes and uneven surfaces nearly quadrupled;
• accidents due to poor lighting increased 2.5 times;
• accidents due to the lack of pedestrian paths increased 4.6 times.
  
  

Original author: Raushan Korzhumbekova

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