Roads Turned into Death Traps: Why Traffic Accidents Have Surged Under the Taliban

Kokcha News Agency: Afghanistan’s roads have become increasingly deadly under Taliban rule, with traffic accidents surging to alarming levels. Two days ago, a tragic accident on the Islam Qala-Herat highway claimed at least 79 lives, as victims were burned alive in a fiery crash. This incident is just one example of a growing crisis that has made Afghanistan’s roads some of the most dangerous in the world.

Official statistics reveal a sharp increase in traffic accidents since the Taliban took power:
– In 2022: 2,662 accidents
– In 2023: 5,520 accidents (more than double)
– In 2024: Nearly 4,000 accidents with around 2,000 fatalities

The surge in accidents is attributed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and a lack of enforcement of traffic laws. Many drivers, especially those operating buses and military vehicles, are under the influence of drugs like hashish, leading to fatal mistakes.

The Taliban’s failure to invest in infrastructure and their appointment of unqualified individuals to key transportation roles have exacerbated the problem. Roads in mountainous and underdeveloped provinces like Badakhshan, Bamyan, Daikundi, and Samangan are particularly dangerous, lacking proper signage, guardrails, and maintenance.

Vehicles themselves are often unsafe, with emergency exits blocked and safety equipment removed. The Taliban’s lack of oversight and failure to enforce safety standards have allowed these dangerous conditions to persist.

Reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and illegal overtaking, are rampant, and there is no effective public education campaign to promote traffic safety. The Taliban have shown no interest in addressing these issues, leaving Afghanistan’s roads as deadly as ever.