Road traffic safety a challenge in Africa- a Uganda case study.

1. Road traffic safety a challenge in Africa- a Uganda case study. Poster presentation International Conference on Road Safety at Work Washington DC 16th-18 Feb 2009 Prepared by Ronnie K. Ssebunya National Road Safety Concern Uganda

2. Content of the Presentation. • Road Safety in Africa • About Uganda. • Situation analysis of Uganda Road Safety. • Propositions & Recommendations. • Work of National Road Safety Concern Uganda.

3. Projections of Road Safety situation in Developing countries It has been estimated that at least 6 million more will die and 60 million will be injured during the next 10 years in developing countries unless urgent action is taken. Source: Carlsson, Gunnar, and Karl-Olov Hedman. 1990. A Systematic Approach to Road Safety in Developing Countries

4. Who are more vulnerable • The majority of road crash victims (injuries and fatalities) in developing countries are not the motorized vehicle occupants, but pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and non-motorized vehicles (NMV) occupants. Source: Carlsson, Gunnar, and Karl-Olov Hedman. 1990. A Systematic Approach to Road Safety in Developing Countries

5. A COMMON SCENARIO • Poor road designs. • Lack of political will. • Corrupt enforcement officers. • Cars in Dangerous mechanical conditions. • Poor road conditions.

6. Situation analysis of UgandaNo of crashes in 2006/2007

7. Accidents increase by 23%

8. Persons killed &Road user categories

9. Age and Gender of persons killed in Accidents

10. When do crashes occur

11. Undefined Intersections • Intersections are neither with round abouts nor signalized. Traffic control is entirely in the hands of traffic police

12. Intersection(Vehicles in motion)

13. Unforgiving EnvironmentResulting into severity of the injury

14. Mixing traffic • Poor Road designs. With no Separation of traffic.

15. No separation of traffic

16. In poor countries the number of fatalities are expected to increase by 83% Models of behaviour in traffic

17. Poor Road conditions • Roads with potholes create a lot of conflicts thus high risk

18. Birth of unplanned mode of transport • This mode of transport started about 15 years ago and has mushroomed all over the country. • Its wasn’t planned for at all. • The Uganda Injury control center estimated that at least 200 people are injured in Kampala (capital city) alone.

19. Outline of Propositions • It is clearly understood that developing countries have limitation on performances and improvement on infrastructure mainly because of their weak economies but, better planning can be done and priorities made on life taking risks. • Some put resources in saving lives of accident victims (very good) but what about prevention. Road Safety is no Accident. • Need for political will. • More traffic safety experts. • Prioritize solutions e.g the Engineering measures. • Reasonable Pressure from donor countries.

20. Even locally made speed humps can reduce speed

21. Local communities can mobilize to put safety measures in their residential areas

22. NAROSCU at work • Research on; • Risk factors. • In-depth Investigation of accidents. • Specific road user categories. • Comparisons with other countries.

23. Naroscu • Advocacy Presenting position papers to government based on research and facts. Writing news letter publications pointing out failures and recommendations. Engaging in debates intended to improve traffic safety. Staging peaceful demonstrations.

24. Naroscu • Sensitization/ training & Education • Through print and electronic media. • Working on the voluntary code of conduct project. • Provide trainings to staff of cooperate companies. • Liaise with police to inform the public that civilians have a role to play as well.