Within the 4th Phase of the Improving regional Transport Links in Central Asia project, the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan (MoT) and EASST Expertise LTD have signed a contract on strengthening drivers’ responsibility for using seat belts.

The MoT press center says the document was inked by the Tajik Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim and EASST Expertise LTD Director Emily Karr here on April 3.

The main objective of the contract is in strengthening sectoral regulations on increasing drivers’ responsibilities, mandatory use of seat belts when driving on roads, conducting a broad information campaign on the need and benefits of wearing a seat belt joint implementation of this process to protect drivers and passengers.  

Photo / MoT

It is to be noted that in accordance with the provisions of Article 333 of Tajikistan’s Code of Administrative Offenses, administrative sanctions are provided for failure to wear a seat belt.

In this regard, the Interior Ministry Traffic Police Directorate has reportedly developed and put into effect the Action Plan, which, in particular, includes a seat belt promotion, broadcast of a 12-minute film about the serious consequences of not using a seat belt on TV channels, conducting joint raids to control seat belt use, etc.  

Photo / MoT

The Interior Ministry Traffic Police Directorate has set up a separate group to ensure constant monitoring of seat belt use.

EASST Expertise is a network of road safety consultants with experience of managing, implementing and advising on international road safety projects.  Its large team of experts has a wide-range of experience and is ready to help manage, implement or advise on your international road safety projects.

The experts have worked with national governments, international institutions and development banks on local, regional, national and international road safety projects.  They have a particular knowledge of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia, but strongly believe in sharing best practice and cross border cooperation and therefore are available to undertake work in lower and middle income countries across the world.