Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has released its annual safety data for railway crossings, recording 28 road accidents at these critical junctures throughout 2024. The state railway operator disclosed that most of these incidents took place at unguarded crossings, with every accident attributed to drivers breaching traffic regulations when traversing railway tracks.
The national carrier emphasized that the burden of ensuring safety at railway crossings falls equally on all road users. In response to the troubling statistics, KTZ's railway personnel mounted an extensive public outreach campaign, directly engaging more than 102,000 drivers with information on proper crossing procedures and safety protocols.
Preventive measures implemented throughout the year included over 2,000 safety raids targeting high-risk crossing points, complemented by approximately 800 organized meetings with drivers at motor transport enterprises across the country. During these sessions, railway safety officers underscored the importance of attentiveness and strict adherence to established rules, particularly at unguarded crossings where visual signals alone govern the right of way.
KTZ reiterated its call for drivers to heed all traffic lights and prohibitory signage, warning that winter conditions—characterized by reduced visibility and deteriorated road surfaces—significantly elevate the risk of accidents at railway crossings. The operator stressed that mutual responsibility among all road participants remains the foundation for preventing future incidents at these complex intersection points.