Traffic Violation Incidents Increase in Shirak Province

The Shirak Province Prosecutor's Office of Armenia has reviewed the statistics and causes of traffic rule violations within the region during 2019 and the first quarter of 2020.

In 2019, there were 209 recorded cases of traffic rule violations, resulting in 19 fatalities and 306 injuries. Furthermore, during the first quarter of 2020, there were 47 recorded violations, an increase of 4 cases compared to the same period in 2019. The number of individuals injured due to traffic rule violations increased by 14% during the first three months of 2020 (73 individuals) compared to 64 individuals in 2019.

Of particular concern is the rise in traffic violations involving drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol. In 2018, there were 5 incidents resulting in 8 injuries; however, in 2019, this number doubled to 10 incidents with 13 individuals injured. The first quarter of 2019 recorded 99 cases of driving under the influence, while 2020 saw a significant increase to 149 cases, nearly a 50% rise.

Additionally alarming is the dramatic five-fold increase in accidents caused by speeding. There were 89 such incidents in 2019, leading to 13 deaths and 136 injuries. In contrast, there were only 17 speeding-related accidents in 2018, resulting in 4 deaths and 24 injuries. Out of the fatalities, 3 drivers did not possess valid driver's licenses.

These trends in traffic incidents are attributed to ineffective measures for preventing administrative offenses, inefficient allocation of police resources, and a lack of coordinated services at high-accident areas during nighttime. The situation is exacerbated by reckless driving in central squares of Gyumri, Artik, and Maralik, where some drivers disregard traffic signals, often racing at high speeds.

Moreover, it is common for minivans and taxi services to operate vehicles without the requisite driving licenses. Investigations revealed that certain online taxi services employ drivers lacking valid licenses, who were involved in traffic rule violations resulting in injuries.

In order to address these issues, the Shirak Province Prosecutor's Office sent two letters to the Road Police of Armenia in 2019 highlighting these matters. However, incidents of traffic violations have continued to rise.

Moreover, inadequate road conditions such as insufficient traffic signs, poor visibility, and the dilapidated state of asphalt contribute significantly to many traffic accidents. Long-standing open manholes and unresolved potholes in certain areas pose additional risks. Intersections connecting main roads in rural areas lack adequate lighting, particularly where previous incidents, including fatalities, have occurred.

In light of the current situation, Shirak Province Prosecutor Karen Gabrielian has addressed proposals to the head of the Road Police of Armenia and the Shirak regional governor, urging them to take prompt action within their authority to eliminate and prevent the factors contributing to these incidents, expressing a willingness to actively engage in discussions regarding these matters.