71 killed in Tatarstan over nine months in crashes linked to oncoming lane driving

Tatarstan's State Road Inspectorate has described driving into the oncoming lane as a dangerous maneuver. It said that performing such a maneuver in prohibited places puts everyone on the road at risk of death.

According to the inspectorate's data, 151 road traffic accidents caused by violations of traffic rules related to entering the oncoming lane were recorded in Tatarstan over nine months. These crashes killed 71 people and injured 242.

The violation carries a fine of 7,500 rubles or a driving ban of four to six months. A repeat violation carries a one-year driving ban. If a driver who has already been penalized and deprived of driving rights violates the rules again, they may face up to three years in prison. The message concluded: 'Remember that head-on collisions in the oncoming lane often end in death. Obey traffic rules! Protect life!'