Road Safety in Ethiopia

Road safety in Ethiopia involves implementing rules such as speed limits, drinking and driving regulations, and traffic control systems like traffic lights and crossings. A fatal accident occurs when one or more individuals die within 30 days of the accident. A serious injury results in severe cuts, bleeding, and other damages that require hospital treatment. A slight injury results in small cuts and scratches that can be treated as an outpatient without hospital admission. A property damage only accident occurs when no person is injured but only one or more vehicles are damaged. These regulations aim to ensure road safety for all users. Road Traffic Accidents in Ethiopia Road accidents are a global issue affecting society, but road safety has not received sufficient attention. The WHO reports that 1.3 million people die and 50 million are injured annually due to traffic accidents, with most occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia, with a large vehicle fleet, has experienced high rates of road traffic accidents. Between 2007 and 2018, deaths from road traffic more than doubled, with nearly 43 people killed per 10,000 vehicles. Ethiopia loses 13 people per day in road traffic crashes, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures. The Main Road Safety Actors in Ethiopia The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) in Ethiopia, led by various ministries and private stakeholders, is working to address the increasing number of fatalities and serious injuries from road traffic crashes. These accidents have become a significant economic, social, and health burden for the country, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and collaboration between various sectors. Road traffic injuries in Ethiopia primarily affect passengers and pedestrians, with one person killed every two hours. Factors such as underreporting and misclassification of fatalities may lead to larger actual fatality figures. An integrated crash database is needed to address this issue. The Federal Police Commission (2019) reports uneven distribution of road traffic crashes, with fatalities and injuries concentrated in the central part of the country. Four out of 12 regional states, including Oromia, Amhara, South Nations Nationality People regions, and Addis Ababa City Administration, accounted for almost 85% of fatalities. There are four major factors influencing road traffic accidents. Vehicle related factors Road related factors Road user related factors Environmental related factors Causes of Road Traffic Accident Car crashes can be caused by various factors, including driver distraction, driver impairment by tiredness, mechanical failure, road conditions, and speed exceeding safe conditions. Driver distraction can occur due to various activities such as fiddling with technical devices, talking to passengers, eating or grooming, dealing with children or pets, or attempting to retrieve dropped items. Driver impairment, which is caused by illness, alcohol, drugs, and sleepiness, is the cause of over half of all car crashes. Mechanical failure, such as flat tires or brake failure, is associated with the vehicle itself. Road conditions, including foreign obstacles or substances on the road surface, slick roads, and potholes, are related to road infrastructure. Speed exceeding safe conditions, such as the road's design, condition, weather, and surrounding motorists' speed, can also contribute to car crashes. Consequences of road traffic accidents include: Loss Of Productivity Of The Victims, The Cost Of The Legal System, The Cost Of Pain And Suffering, and Loss Of Quality Of Life Of The Victim And Their Family. Road Safety Rules Road Safety rules for Pedestrian 🚫 Prepare a safe walking route in advance. 🚫 Use sidewalks if they are available. 🚫 Walk facing the traffic if a sidewalk isn’t available. 🚫 Obey all signs and signals. 🚫 Only cross streets at designated areas. 🚫 Stay on well-lit paths at night. 🚫 Wear bright colors during the day and reflective tape at night. Road Safety rules for drivers 🚫 Never drink & drive. 🚫 Always wear seat belt. 🚫 Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, 🚫 Always avoid distractions. 🚫 Never break red signal. 🚫 Always drive within speed limit. 🚫 Avoid the drowsiness while driving. 🚫 Watch out for drivers on the road.