The KazAvtoZhol company commented on the accident on the Karaganda-Balkhash highway, which killed seven people today. According to the press service, the roadway was clean, ekaraganda.kz correspondent reports.
The company reports that, according to preliminary data, the driver of a Toyota Alphard, driving from Almaty in the direction of Karaganda, lost control of the vehicle, as a result of which the car drove off the road and overturned into a ditch. As a result of the accident, seven people died, including two children. Another passenger, a 12-year-old girl, received injuries of varying severity and was hospitalized.
“During the inspection, it was established that the road section complies with regulatory requirements. The road of technical category I-b has two lanes in each direction and is equipped with an axial barrier. The road surface is smooth, asphalt concrete, visibility in this area is not limited, the roadway was clean. The arrangement of road signs and the organization of traffic were coordinated with the administrative police department; the weather conditions at the time of the incident were cloudy with light precipitation in the form of snow,” the company’s press service continues.
In addition, KazAvtoZhol expresses deep condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
“We mourn with you and wish a speedy recovery to the victim. We urge all drivers to obey the speed limit and take into account weather and road conditions,” the company adds.
Video: JSC “NC KazAvtoZhol”
What are some common causes of road accidents on highways like the Karaganda-Balkhash route?
Time.news Interview: Safety on the Karaganda-Balkhash Highway Post-Accident
Editor (E): Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing a tragic recent event on the Karaganda-Balkhash highway, where a severe accident resulted in the loss of seven lives, including two children. Joining us is Dr. Aisulu Urazbekova, a road safety expert with extensive experience in traffic accident analysis. Thank you for being here, Dr. Urazbekova.
Expert (D): Thank you for having me. It’s a somber topic, but it is crucial we discuss it.
E: Indeed. First off, could you help us understand what factors often contribute to such devastating accidents on highways?
D: Certainly. Accidents like the one on the Karaganda-Balkhash highway can stem from a variety of factors, including driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and road infrastructure. In this particular case, reports suggest that the roadway was clear and met regulatory standards, which indicates that environmental factors may not have played a role in the same way they might have during inclement weather.
E: That brings us to the role of the driver. From initial reports, it seems the driver of the Toyota Alphard lost control. What could lead to such a loss of control?
D: Loss of control can be attributed to several reasons. Driver distraction is a prominent one – anything from mobile phone usage to simply being fatigued can impact a driver’s ability to maintain control. Moreover, if the driver was speeding or suddenly maneuvering without ample road awareness, that could have further exacerbated the situation.
E: It’s heartbreaking to note that two children were among the deceased in this accident. What specific measures could be taken to improve child safety in these scenarios?
D: Child safety in vehicles is paramount. Ensuring that children are properly restrained in appropriate car seats is critical. Furthermore, raising awareness on child safety measures, alongside strict enforcement of child passenger safety laws, can help prevent such tragedies. Parents and guardians need to be educated continuously about these practices.
E: The accident has drawn attention to the Karaganda-Balkhash highway. What can be done to improve road safety on this particular route?
D: Regular inspections and maintenance of road conditions are essential. While the recent inspections indicated that the road complied with regulations, ongoing monitoring and upgrades are necessary. Additionally, implementing advanced signage, speed bumps in high-risk areas, and educational campaigns about the dangers of speeding or distracted driving can create a safer environment for all road users.
E: From an engineering standpoint, are there specific improvements that could be made to the roadway itself?
D: Absolutely. Improved road design, such as better grading, clear delineation between lanes, and enhanced barriers can significantly decrease the potential for accidents. In addition, creating dedicated pull-off areas for emergency stops can provide critical safety features for drivers who may encounter mechanical issues.
E: Thank you, Dr. Urazbekova, for shedding light on such a tragic incident. It’s vital that we learn from these events to improve safety and prevent future accidents.
D: Thank you for addressing this important issue. Education, awareness, and infrastructure improvements are crucial to saving lives on our roads.
E: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s continue to advocate for road safety and keep the conversation going as we strive for safer highways.