January is officially observed as accident and injury prevention month in Mongolia, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing preventable injuries and fostering a culture of safety and shared responsibility. The campaign places particular emphasis on protecting children, creating healthy and secure environments, and reinforcing the role of parents, guardians, citizens, and institutions in accident prevention.
Health authorities stress that injuries and fatalities caused by accidents are not inevitable but largely preventable. The National Traumatology and Orthopedics Research Center has called on the public to act responsibly, noting that avoidable accidents continue to claim lives and cause long-term harm each year. Officials emphasize that greater awareness and timely preventive action at the individual level can significantly reduce these risks.
Amid the campaign, authorities have also issued weather- and road-related safety warnings. The Traffic Police Department reported that as of noon on January 17, most local roads remained open, with no closures or blocked mountain passes. However, the National Agency Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring warned that snowfall and snowstorms were affecting the Khangai mountainous regions and parts of the Gobi, while an intense cold spell was expected to grip the country through January 20. Strong winds and blizzard conditions are forecast in the southern regions, increasing the potential for hazardous travel conditions.
In response, traffic authorities urged motorists to exercise heightened caution during the severe winter period, particularly when traveling long distances or driving at night in limited visibility. Fatigue, poor preparation, and alcohol consumption were highlighted as major risk factors contributing to traffic accidents during the winter months.
Public safety concerns also extend beyond roads, especially as families spend more time outdoors during the winter season. Parents and guardians have been advised to maintain close supervision of children during activities such as sledding and skiing, where improper behavior can lead to serious injuries. Safety officials warn that loss of control, collisions, and falls often occur when children steer or brake sleds with their hands or feet, follow too closely behind one another, or stop in the middle of sledding paths without clearing the way.
Authorities underline that accident prevention is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance in everyday activities, whether on the road or in recreational spaces. As winter conditions intensify, officials remind the public that careful preparation, awareness of surroundings, and responsible behavior can help prevent unnecessary injuries and save lives during the harshest season of the year.
