Wheels of change: Navigating Africa’s complex road safety landscape

Kwame hesitates at a broken traffic light in Accra, Ghana, acutely aware that the lack of proper infrastructure could cost him his life. In Nairobi, Wanjiru mounts her motorbike without a helmet, exemplifying the widespread non-compliance with safety measures.

Okello navigates his bicycle through Kampala, Uganda’s pothole-ridden streets, a stark reminder of the region’s poor road conditions. In Addis Ababa, Ayana waits at a pedestrian crossing, uncertain if drivers will respect her right of way, highlighting the inadequate enforcement of traffic laws.

Meanwhile, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Juma steers an overloaded, poorly maintained bus through congested streets, embodying the challenges of public transport safety.

These scenes, drawn from the realities highlighted in the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Road Safety Status Report for Africa, illustrate the multifaceted road safety crisis gripping the continent.

As Africa grapples with rapid urbanisation, increasing vehicle ownership, and inadequate infrastructure, the need for comprehensive road safety measures has never been more urgent.

The Scope of the Crisis:

The WHO Road Safety Status Report for Africa, launched ahead of a recent WHO/Science Africa road safety reporting workshop in Kenya, paints a grim picture of the continent’s current situation.

In 2021, road traffic injuries claimed an estimated 225,482 lives in the WHO African Region. This staggering figure represents not just a statistical concern but a significant loss of human potential and societal contribution.

Despite housing only 15 per cent of the world’s population and three per cent of the global vehicle fleet, Africa accounts for a disproportionate 19 per cent of global road traffic deaths. This stark disparity underscores the critical gaps in road safety measures across the continent and the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Trends and comparisons:

Since 2010, road traffic fatalities in the African Region have increased by 17 per cent, making it the only WHO region with such a rising trend. This increase stands in stark contrast to the global trend, which saw a five per cent decrease in road traffic deaths during the same period. The region now has the highest fatality rate globally, at 19.4 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the global rate of 15 per 100,000.

However, amidst this concerning trend, there is a glimmer of hope. Seventeen countries in the region have successfully reduced fatalities by up to 49 per cent since 2010.

These countries include Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, Togo, Malawi, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mauritius, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Madagascar, and Benin. Their success demonstrates that with concerted efforts and effective policies, significant progress is possible.

Vulnerable Road Users:

One of the most alarming findings from the report is the plight of vulnerable road users. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians account for half of all road traffic fatalities in the region. Motorcyclist fatalities, in particular, have doubled over the past decade, a troubling trend that underscores the need for improved safety measures and awareness campaigns.

Pedestrians are especially at risk, accounting for one-third of global pedestrian fatalities. The rapid urbanisation in many African cities has led to increased traffic congestion and the expansion of road networks, often without adequate infrastructure for non-motorised users. This has exacerbated the risks faced by pedestrians and cyclists who navigate these roads daily.

Infrastructure and Vehicle Growth:

The report reveals that vehicle registration in the region has almost tripled since WHO’s 2013 report, with a notable increase in the number of two- and three-wheelers. In 2021, there were 65.62 million registered vehicles in the region, more than double the number since 2013. This growth, however, has not been matched by corresponding improvements in road infrastructure.

The region has approximately 666,371 kilometres of paved roads, yet only a small fraction meets the minimum safety standards for various road users. Only 1.45 kilometers of paved roads are rated three-star or higher for pedestrians. For powered two- and three-wheelers, this figure stands at 2.11 kilometres.

Cyclists fare slightly better with 2.68 kilometres, while passenger vehicles have 3.74 kilometres of roads meeting minimum safety standards. This disparity between vehicle growth and road infrastructure quality highlights a critical area for improvement in the region’s road safety efforts.

Policy and Legislation:

The report reveals significant gaps in policy and infrastructure across the region. While 24 countries report having national strategies to promote public transport, only 13 have strategies to encourage walking and cycling. Furthermore, no country in the region has national laws that meet best practices in all five key road safety behavioral risk factors: speeding, drink driving, and non-use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts, and child restraints.

Legislation specifying requirements and standards for core safety equipment in vehicles is present in 29 countries, but none include pedestrian protection safety features or mandate all five core areas of safety equipment. This legislative gap presents a significant opportunity for improvement in the region’s road safety framework.

Data Systems and Post-Crash Response:

Data systems in many Member States are incomplete and sparse, failing to capture critical data on morbidity and road user characteristics such as sex, age, and user type. This lack of comprehensive data hinders the development of targeted interventions and effective policies.

Most countries in the region (35) have a national strategy for road safety, but only 21 have specific targets for reducing road traffic fatalities. The post-crash response system also shows room for improvement.

Ten countries have laws requiring healthcare facilities to care for everyone regardless of their capacity to pay following a crash. Four countries guarantee rehabilitation care for all, regardless of ability to pay. Only three countries provide free psychosocial support for victims and their families. Twelve countries have implemented a national single emergency number, a crucial step in improving emergency response times.

Country Spotlight: Ghana

Ghana, like many countries in the African Region, faces significant challenges in addressing road safety. With a road traffic death rate of 21.4 per 100,000 population, higher than the regional average, Ghana exemplifies the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures.

While Ghana has a national road safety strategy and laws addressing key risk factors such as speeding, drink driving, and the use of safety equipment, enforcement remains a challenge.

The country’s road infrastructure quality is a significant concern, with many roads not meeting minimum safety standards. Additionally, incomplete data collection systems and limited access to comprehensive post-crash care further compound the road safety challenges in Ghana.

The Way Forward:

The WHO has emphasised the need for Ghana and the rest of Africa to implement holistic policies and measures to halve the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths related to road traffic by 2030, in accordance with Target 3.6 of the SDGs. These policies must promote sustainable transportation systems, improved legislative road safety frameworks, investment in data management systems, enhanced post-crash response, and research tailored to the continent’s unique challenges.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the severe public health concern posed by these statistics, stating that “hundreds of thousands of lives are being lost unnecessarily.”

Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO representative in Kenya, called for the revamping of transport infrastructure, retraining of motorists, and promotion of safety education targeting all road users.

Conclusion:

The road safety crisis in Africa presents a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. From improving infrastructure and enforcing stricter legislation to enhancing data collection and post-crash care, the path to safer roads in Africa is clear but demanding. The success stories from countries that have reduced their fatality rates offer hope and valuable lessons for the entire continent.

As Africa continues to develop and urbanise, addressing road safety is not just a matter of public health but a crucial step towards sustainable development. The lives of Kwame, Wanjiru, Okello, Ayana, and Juma – and millions like them across the continent – depend on the successful implementation of comprehensive road safety measures. With concerted efforts from governments, international organisations, and local communities, Africa can turn the tide on this crisis and pave the way for safer, more sustainable mobility for all its citizens.

BY JONATHAN DONKOR