Belarus is considering increasing the number of practical driving lessons required in driving schools. The proposal was discussed today at a meeting of the Permanent Commission on Road Safety under the Council of Ministers. The commission also reviewed measures to reduce collisions with wild animals and further develop the country’s automated traffic enforcement system, the Belarusian government press service reported.
Commission members paid particular attention to preventing accidents involving drivers with less than two years of experience. To address the issue, they proposed increasing the number of practical driving lessons, introducing interactive driving simulators, and training students to respond to emergency situations.
The commission also discussed measures to reduce the number of road accidents involving wild animals. Since the beginning of the year, five people have been killed and 44 injured in such collisions.
The proposals include wider use of engineering solutions designed to prevent animals from entering roadways, including mesh fencing, deterrent systems using light, sound and lasers at fence openings, as well as dedicated wildlife crossings.
Officials also proposed increasing the number of technical systems capable of warning drivers about the presence of moose and deer on roads, as well as installing more average-speed enforcement sensors on highways that intersect wildlife migration routes.
Particular attention was also given to expanding the automated traffic enforcement system. Relevant government agencies are continuing to increase the number of connected cameras. At present, the cameras can automatically detect speeding, vehicles without valid roadworthiness authorisation, illegal use of bus lanes, violations of stopping and parking rules, and offences involving heavy goods vehicles.
Since July, the system has also been detecting drivers not wearing seat belts and those unlawfully using mobile phones while driving. It additionally records traffic signal violations, improper manoeuvres, and failures to yield to pedestrians.
