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Every day on the roads of Tashkent feels like an endurance test. It’s not just the constant traffic jams and endless streams of cars that weigh on drivers; the biggest issue is the total disregard for traffic rules by both drivers and pedestrians. No one wants to follow the rules anymore, and as a result, chaos reigns everywhere.
It seems like the roads no longer operate by laws—just by unspoken understandings. The cycle of violations feels like a vicious circle: today, a pedestrian ignores the traffic light and crosses on red; tomorrow, the same person gets behind the wheel and drives with the same disregard for the rules. Why? Because it’s more convenient. Rules? Pfft… Who even follows them? Nobody. And no one cares.
A Lifestyle of Impunity
The problem is that for many, traffic laws are an abstract concept meant for “losers,” as some might say. People think they have nine lives: pedestrians dash across roads, risking their lives, while drivers stage “survival races” as if they’re starring in an action movie. And here’s the question: how long are we going to tolerate this madness?
It feels like the only rule left on our roads is to outsmart and outrun everyone, regardless of how many cars are around or how many people could get hurt. As long as you’re comfortable, that’s all that matters. And this applies not only to regular drivers—traffic officers are often missing from the most challenging intersections. And if they do stop you, it’s almost always to check your car’s window tint. It’s ridiculous.
Roads That Don’t Exist
Another major issue is the state of our roads. Potholes, lack of lane markings, missing signs, non-functioning cameras… Driving in Tashkent feels like navigating an obstacle course where your primary goal is just to make it through in one piece. And this is in the city center—imagine what the roads are like in other areas.
If you think this kind of disorder is only found on the roads, you’re wrong. It’s a widespread indifference. Lack of consideration for others, the desire to cut in line—whether at the hospital, in a traffic jam, or in a store—while considering yourself a “hero” for outsmarting those patiently waiting. Unfortunately, this won’t end because there’s no coherent plan from the authorities to change people’s mindsets. So, everything stays at a primitive level where the winner isn’t the one who follows the law but the one who knows how to get around it.
How Can We Fix This?
Honestly, it’s hard to believe that things can be changed anymore. Every trip through the city is stressful—you never know what the next driver or pedestrian will do. And that’s when you start wondering: what can be done?
It seems the only solution is to toughen the penalties for violations. Fines need to be so high that breaking the rules just isn’t worth it! Break a rule? Pay up. And not just a small amount, but a serious fine. Fines need to increase by 10-20 times. Maybe then people will start thinking about the consequences. And all those fines could be used to repair roads and improve infrastructure—we’d have plenty of money for it.
Why Should We Care?
Every day, as we drive on these roads, we deal with the consequences of this chaos. We see people risking their lives for the sake of saving a minute. We see accidents that could have been avoided. We feel the frustration building from the constant disorder on the roads. And if nothing changes, it will never end. We’ll get used to the chaos, the lawlessness, and the danger.
But is that really what we want? Don’t we deserve normal driving conditions? Don’t our children deserve safe roads? If that doesn’t make us want to act, then what will?
It’s time to make a change…
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
