Traffic Situation on the Highways
In the first seven months of 2025, Astana has witnessed a significant increase in road traffic accidents, with a reported 54% year-on-year rise compared to 2024. This concerning trend has resulted in 1307 injuries and 19 fatalities, including 13 minors[1][2][3].
Common causes of these accidents include drivers' failure to observe speed limits and safe distances, leading to collisions with heavy machinery or other vehicles on the road[1]. Some accidents have involved collisions with road service vehicles or tractors working on highways, suggesting issues with driver awareness or road work zone safety[1].
Pedestrian-related accidents have also increased, with violations such as ignoring traffic signals, crossing in front of approaching vehicles, crossing at unauthorized places, and walking along the road when a sidewalk is available being common causes[4].
The number of accidents involving minors in Astana has significantly increased in 2025, with 353 cases compared to 123 in 2024. Carelessness and lack of consistent safe behavior skills among children are the main causes of these accidents[4].
In response to this rise in accidents, authorities have launched criminal investigations into serious accidents to hold responsible parties accountable and improve enforcement[1]. The government is also integrating digital technologies and AI systems to improve traffic safety and efficiency. For instance, a mobile application allows citizens to report minor traffic accidents without police involvement, which simplifies procedures and speeds up insurance processes[5].
To address the issue of pedestrian safety, three new pedestrian traffic lights have been installed along the routes to schools in Astana, and 99 warning signs, including "Caution - Children", speed limits, pedestrian crossings, and speed humps have been installed throughout the city[4].
Drivers under the influence of alcohol pose a separate threat, with 13 such accidents this year, resulting in 18 injuries[4]. To combat this, the government is taking measures to increase alcohol testing and enforcement, aiming to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents.
In summary, the spike in accidents is linked mainly to driver behavior violations like speeding and unsafe distances, compounded by hazardous interactions with road service vehicles. Authorities are responding with investigations, enhanced enforcement, and the deployment of AI-driven public services aimed at reducing accident rates and improving emergency response and reporting systems[1][5]. The city is also taking steps to improve pedestrian safety, particularly around schools, and to address the issue of alcohol-related accidents.
- The rise in road traffic accidents in Astana during the first seven months of 2025, particularly those involving minors, has sparked a focus on education-and-self-development regarding safe driving behaviors and personal-growth opportunities for drivers.
- In an effort to tackle the growing issue of car-accidents in Astana, authorities are looking into policy-and-legislation surrounding driver awareness, traffic safety, and road work zone safety to hold responsible parties accountable and implement improvements.
- General-news outlets have been covering the increased crime-and-justice related incidents stemming from car-accidents in Astana, shedding light on cases of drivers under the influence of alcohol and the resulting injuries.
- To address accidents caused by pedestrian violations, the government is taking steps towards increasing the availability of general-news updates on road safety and implementing new crime-and-justice measures, such as the installation of pedestrian traffic lights and warning signs in schools' vicinity.
