Workshop of the Road Safety Audit Manual in Kyrgyzstan
Workshop of the Road Safety Audit Manual in Kyrgyzstan
On October 13, 2023, a significant event in the field of road safety took place in Kyrgyzstan—the presentation of the Road Safety Audit Manual, developed as part of the project "Consultants on Audit and Technologies in Road Safety." The initiative was funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the "CAREC Corridors 1 and 3 Connector Road Project (Phase 2) - Additional Financing."
Background and Relevance
Road safety indicators in Kyrgyzstan remain significantly lower compared to the European Union. According to the WHO European Region Road Safety Report (2019) and the CAREC Regional Road Safety Strategy (2017–2030), Kyrgyzstan has one of the highest mortality rates within the CAREC region.
Recognizing the gravity of the issue, Kyrgyzstan, as a CAREC member, committed to improving road safety during the 14th CAREC Ministerial Conference held in Mongolia in September 2015. The country endorsed the CAREC Road Safety Strategy (2017–2030), which aims to integrate road safety considerations into all aspects of road planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Road safety auditing was highlighted as a critical component of this approach, ensuring safer road infrastructure.
Purpose of the Manual
The Road Safety Audit Manual is designed to guide stakeholders involved in road infrastructure development, including:
- Project owners,
- Road network managers,
- Organizations conducting road safety audits at various project stages.
This manual outlines key principles, requirements, roles, and methodologies for conducting road safety audits across various types of road infrastructure. It aims to:
- Assist practitioners in implementing road safety audits,
- Provide a framework for policymakers managing the audit process.
Key Topics of the Manual
The manual includes comprehensive guidance on:
- Goals and Definitions: Establishing a shared understanding of road safety audit objectives.
- Procedures and Processes: Detailing audit reporting and response mechanisms.
- Training and Certification Requirements: Introducing an accreditation scheme for auditors.
- Stakeholder Roles: Highlighting the responsibilities of audit teams and other involved parties.
- Costs and Benefits: Analyzing the economic and safety advantages of implementing road safety audits.
This resource is practical and adaptable, addressing both CAREC-related road projects and other road infrastructure developments in Kyrgyzstan.
Significance of the Launch
The manual was developed in close cooperation with key stakeholders, including:
- Representatives of the State Enterprise "Design and Survey Institute Kyrgyzdortransproekt,"
- The Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU),
- The State Agency for Architecture, Construction, and Housing under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic,
- The Main Directorate for Road Traffic Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The manual’s launch marks a major milestone in enhancing road safety practices in Kyrgyzstan, equipping practitioners and policymakers with the necessary tools to integrate safety measures into every stage of road development.
Future Steps
The successful implementation of this manual will support Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing commitment to the CAREC Road Safety Strategy. By institutionalizing road safety auditing, the country aims to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries, ultimately aligning its road safety standards with international best practices.
This initiative underscores the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders and sets a solid foundation for further advancements in road safety.
