In Kyrgyzstan, safety on night roads has become critically important for most law-abiding drivers. This was stated in an interview with VB.KG by political scientist Bakyt Baketaev.
The expert noted that the current situation requires urgent measures from law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for state control.
“Driving at night has always been a challenge. However, recently in Kyrgyzstan, it has turned into a real struggle for survival. We, law-abiding drivers, who, believe me, are the majority, can no longer remain on the sidelines. We thank the Minister of Internal Affairs Ulan Omokanovich Niyazbekov for hearing our voice and responding to our problem. Night raids are currently being conducted, where violators of light standards face significant fines,” he noted.
Bakyt Baketaev also expressed concerns about the technical retrofitting of vehicles, especially through makeshift methods, which can threaten road safety.
“The road is not a place for selfishness. At night, you can be blinded not by fog or rain, but by a driver who has installed bright headlights on their car. They see everything, and you lose control for a moment, which can lead to tragedy. We have already given these people a name - light hooligans, but in reality, it is much more serious. They are those who do not respect other road users, considering them second-class. They do not understand that the main value on the road is mutual respect. By acquiring brightness, they lose their humanity,” emphasized the political scientist.
Analyzing the image of Kyrgyzstan on the world stage, he pointed to the need to comply with international standards in driving culture.
“Kyrgyzstan is not just a country; it is a place where people from all over the world come. Tourists, families, and guests should feel safe behind the wheel, just like in any developed country, for example, in Europe, where rules are part of the culture. But what do they see here? Blinding lights and loud signals. Cars are not just moving; they create psychological pressure,” he added.
The political scientist also expressed particular concern about the behavior of drivers of large vehicles and enthusiasts of loud driving.
“This is especially dangerous when it comes to trucks and buses. Huge vehicles with lights like spotlights and roaring signals that make people flinch. This creates a risk of accidents. Moreover, there is a category of drivers who deliberately turn their cars into sources of noise by installing loud mufflers. This is not style; it is aggression and disregard for society,” noted Bakyt Baketaev.
In conclusion of his speech, the political scientist called on all drivers to take personal responsibility.
“The freedom of one ends where the safety of another begins. We are not asking for the impossible, just for adherence to rules, respect, and common sense. If the state, represented by the Minister of Internal Affairs, begins to restore order, then we have a chance to return the roads to the people. The road is not a place for narcissists, but a space for responsibility. We are the majority, and we stand for order,” summarized the expert.
