Transport Safety: Reducing Road Fatalities

AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor@ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Courtesy:WorldHealthOrganisation(WHO)

Having accepted the challenge of keeping our roads safe, the Ministry of Works and Transport has committed itself and its agencies to reducing road fatalities. As pointed out by the Minister (Hon. John Mutorwa): the “2nd Decade of action on Road Safety for Namibia emphasizes the understanding that road traffic deaths and injuries can be avoided, provided that the entire transportation system is holistically addressed, and actions are taken to ensure safer mobility across all modes”.

Namibia has on occasion experienced upwards of 20 000 crashes per annum with a commensurate peak of 575 fatalities which while statistically within regional averages, definitely above global average It is with this clarity and challenge in mind that the following actions are underway.

The National Road Safety Council (NRSCwww nrsc org na) within its mandate seeks to reduce or eliminate the number of school-going children killed by motor vehicles on their way to and from school Scholar patrols are considered one way of increasing safety within close proximity to schools as provided for under section 74 (4) of the Road Traffic and Transport Act (RTTA), Act 22 of 1999 The NRSC provides insurance cover and training to ensure the safety to their pupils

Another approach is to integrate Road safety into the Education Curriculum. This is also spearheaded by the NRSC with support by National Institute for Educational Development (NIED - www nied edu na) for utilisation by Grades 1 – 3 Early intervention is crucial as it creates healthy habits and develops a sense of awareness and responsibility in young learners. It is believed that this intervention also helps in developing spatial awareness and understanding cause-and-effect relationships, which are essential skills for safe road usage

Data awareness plays a critical role in reducing road fatalities Accurate and comprehensive data collection allows for the identification of high-risk areas and behaviours, enabling targeted interventions. By analysing crash data, authorities can implement evidence-based strategies to improve road safety. For instance, data can reveal trends in crash causes, times, and locations, which can then inform public awareness campaigns, law enforcement strategies, and infrastructure improvements.

By analysing crash data, authorities can pinpoint highrisk areas and times where accidents are most likely to occur This information is vital for implementing targeted safety measures such as increased police patrols, installation of speed cameras, and improved road signage and lighting in these areas. For example, a study by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) found that certain highways and intersections had higher incidences of crashes, leading to targeted interventions in those locations

Sharing data with the public can increase awareness of road safety issues and encourage safer driving behaviours. For example, publishing statistics on the number of crashes, fatalities, and their causes can highlight the severity of the problem and motivate drivers to adopt safer practices In Namibia, road safety campaigns often include data on accident rates to emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic laws and driving responsibly.

Data-driven insights are critical for informing policy decisions and infrastructure development For instance, data on traffic flow and accident hotspots can guide the design and construction of safer roads, intersections, and pedestrian crossings. The Namibian government's road safety strategy incorporates data analysis to prioritize infrastructure projects that will have the greatest impact onreducingaccidentsandfatalities

The NRSC leverages data to understand the underlying factors contributing to road crashes and fatalities This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively, and safety measures are implemented where they are most needed Additionally, public access to road safety data raises awareness among citizens, encouraging safer driving behaviours and communityinvolvementinroadsafetyinitiatives

In summary, while the integration of road safety into the school curricula and the establishment of scholar patrols are vital steps, the use of data to inform and guide these measures is equally important. Data awareness not only helps in crafting effective policies but also engages the public in a shared responsibility for road safety. Through these combined efforts, Namibia can work towards significantly reducing road fatalities and creating a safer environmentforallroadusers.

Readings:

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