The rapid growth of motorization observed in all Russian cities and, in particular, in St. Petersburg has resulted in the aggravation of the whole complex of transport and traffic problems including increased accident rate, traffic jams, and growing environmental pollution of the city. St. Petersburg is especially vulnerable in this respect, and the city's vulnerability is related to the start-up of economic reform with subsequent political changes. This paper presents the characteristics of the transport fleet, the road situation in St. Petersburg, traffic safety statistics, an analysis of the major reasons for the inferior level of highway safety, and recommendations for improving traffic safety.