28 February 2025 marks the Unified Road Safety Day in the Republic of Belarus, held under the slogan "You cannot hide from conscience!", aimed at preventing incidents where participants leave the scene of road traffic accidents.

On February 28, 2025, the Republic of Belarus will host a Unified Road Safety Day under the slogan “You Can’t Hide from Your Conscience!”, aimed at preventing incidents where participants leave the scene of road traffic accidents (hereinafter referred to as RTAs).

The main causes of RTAs continue to be violations of traffic rules by pedestrians, exceeding or incorrect selection of speed by drivers, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a license, as well as violations of overtaking and pedestrian crossing rules. Head-on collisions are characterized by the most severe consequences, accounting for the majority of fatalities in road accidents. These incidents occurred due to drivers’ incorrect assessment of the traffic situation or improper actions in dangerous situations. In adverse weather conditions and with high traffic intensity, especially on the days preceding and during weekends, any mistake, whether it be a violation of overtaking rules or an incorrect choice of speed, inevitably led to disaster.

As practice shows, cases of drivers leaving the scene of road traffic accidents and failing to provide assistance to victims are not isolated. One of the main areas of the State Automobile Inspectorate's official activities is the investigation of such road traffic accidents and their prevention. Analysis shows that the number and severity of consequences of such accidents are decreasing, yet behind each statistic lie human lives and destinies. The traffic rules clearly define the specific actions of a driver after an accident. The vehicle must be stopped. It, as well as other objects related to the accident, must not be moved or removed. It is necessary to turn on the hazard lights and place the emergency stop sign (a lantern with a flashing red light) at a distance of at least 15 m from the vehicle in populated areas and 40 m outside populated areas, while remaining at the scene of the road traffic accident, if possible, off the roadway. If there are victims, all measures must be taken to provide them with the necessary assistance. An ambulance should be called, and the incident should be reported to the police.

For persons who have absconded from the scene of a road traffic accident, both administrative and criminal liability may be applied. In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus, a driver who has left the scene of an accident committed will be brought to administrative responsibility under Article 18.16, Part 2, which entails a fine ranging from 5 to 25 base amounts or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for up to two years.

The State Automobile Inspectorate reminds that the highest number of accidents occurs on weekends compared to other days of the week. Road traffic accidents related to violations of overtaking rules are characterized by particularly severe consequences, and adverse weather conditions leave their negative mark on the road situation.

The State Automobile Inspectorate strongly recommends that drivers refrain from making rash maneuvers, avoid rushing, strictly adhere to traffic rules, and remember that even a minor mistake behind the wheel can lead to tragedy.