I can't speak for the current situation, but my observation there was that the "rules of the road" as we know them in America do not exist in Russia.  Driving, whatever your social position, is a risky business.  

And the way those in charge, whether they be provincial governors or mafia, or both, are able to act above the law and mete out revenge for anyone who gets in their way (in this case, literally) is not limited to highway offenses.  

It doesn't help anything that this guy doesn't have to worry about being re-elected.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire