Good practices in road safety in the African context : lessons learned from low-cost interventions

Abstract

Implementing successful road safety interventions requires collaboration and buy-in from all relevant stakeholders. In the African context, stakeholders may consider various criteria to define their political and financial positions for these interventions. The Safe System Approach (SSA) emphasizes the need for a holistic view of road safety, considering the interactions between road users, vehicles, and the road environment. It advocates for a system where human error does not result in severe injury or death. According to the World Health Organization's Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 report, in 2018, the African Region had the highest estimated road traffic fatality rate, accounting for 90% of global road traffic deaths, despite having the lowest level of motorization in the world. This work focuses on SSA pillars, highlighting low-cost successful practices within the African context in managing road traffic injuries (RTI) and drawing lessons that demonstrate potential for adoption and replication. The identified initiatives have focused on enhancing pedestrian safety, improving public transportation, implementing communitybased road safety education campaigns, and introducing measures to protect vulnerable road users. While not yet classified as best practices, these initiatives have shown promising results and offer valuable insights into effective road safety strategies. This paper aims to inspire and guide other regions by sharing findings, fostering road safety improvements, and contributing to the goal of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030, as outlined in the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021- 2030).