In light of the fact that over a thousand people become victims of road traffic accidents every year, reforming the driver training system becomes extremely important. President Sadyr Japarov characterized this reform as strategically necessary for the country in an interview with the Kabar agency and urged the population to accept it with understanding.
- Hello, Sadyr Nurgoyevich! Discussions regarding the replacement of driver's licenses and driver training continue in society.
What is the main goal of this reform? Why is it so important for the state? Will it affect the already achieved positive results?
- No, this reform does not negate previous achievements. We have implemented many significant initiatives both at the national level and on the international stage.
We have returned "Kumtor" to state ownership. The gold reserves have increased. If we previously had problems with external debts, the situation is now stable in this regard.
Currently, the "Kambar-Ata-1" hydropower station is being built along with many other hydroelectric power plants. The "China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan" railway project is underway. Border issues have been resolved definitively. Diplomatic relations have been established.
Airports are operating at full capacity, and new aircraft are being purchased. Through the State Investment Corporation, housing is being provided to the population for up to 25 years. Salaries are being increased.
We have managed to strengthen the army. Hotels with 5-7 star ratings are being built. The number of tourists is increasing every year.
IF WE GATHER ALL THESE EFFORTS, THEN THE REFORM AT THE "UNAA" ENTERPRISE JOINS THEM AT ONE OF THE IMPORTANT LEVELS
If we consider all these achievements collectively, then the reform concerning "UNAA" is no less important.
This reform directly affects human lives – the most valuable wealth of our state. We all know the statistics on road fatalities. The situation remains extremely alarming.
Is it normal that every year we lose a thousand people?!
The number of fatalities in traffic accidents exceeds losses during wartime.
Some lose their children, 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 sustain injuries.
The majority of them become disabled.
We cannot allow this to continue.
If we do not take urgent measures and implement reforms, the situation will only worsen year after year.
At present, it is necessary to wait a little and organize the industry.
Of course, an ideal result will not be achieved immediately.
There will be shortcomings. But over time, the system will improve.
The effect of this reform will not be visible instantly,
it will take 50-60 years. When our generation, which has been buying driver's licenses for 30 years, passes, and a new generation that undergoes training for 10 months remains, as well as children who will start training in schools from September, then the results will become noticeable.
This will take 50-60 years.
If we introduce strict rules now and carry out the reform, the system will stabilize, which will also reflect in the statistics. Mortality will decrease.
Then society will be able to appreciate the changes.
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 doing all this not for personal gain; this is our common future.
There have been cases where the very workers who processed documents and driver's licenses for money lost their loved ones in traffic accidents because they were hit by a driver who bought a license.
This was a sign from the Almighty for these people. Therefore, I recommend they change their line of work.
- Most dissatisfaction is related to the duration of driver training. Is it possible to reconsider the 10-month period?
These 10 months are not accidental. We took international training standards into account.
In many countries, the training period is at least one year. Our specialists adapted it to 10 months.
I myself note: "If possible, consider compressing the program, for example, instead of classes 3 times a week for 2 hours, conduct classes 5 times a week for 2 hours." That is, from Monday to Friday.
Additionally, there is now the opportunity to study online. It is not necessary to attend a driving school; one can participate in 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 fly by quickly.
If it turns out that after 5-6 months students are fully prepared and successfully pass the exams, then the possibility of reducing the training period can be considered. But preparing a cadet in a short time is extremely difficult.
The number of students who underwent 3.5 months of training and did not pass the exam was 90%. And this figure may increase.
Recently, we implemented an artificial intelligence system, and now exams are conducted by a robot. The human factor is completely excluded.
Previously, among those 10% who passed exams after 3 months of training, there could have been cases where instructors "helped a little".
In conclusion, I once again address the entire population:
The training program includes not only traffic rules but also driving ethics.
No matter how difficult it may be for you, I ask you to support our efforts aimed at caring for the future.
Interviewed by the director of KNA "Kabar" Mederbek Shermetaliev.
