Enhanced Safe Systems Approach Significantly Reduces Road…

Botswana has reduced road casualties through an enhanced safe systems approach, improving road safety infrastructure and pedestrian pathways. Backed by WHO, this initiative reflects a multi-sectoral effort resulting in decreased crashes and fatalities from 2022 to 2024. Continued focus on leadership and strategy implementation is essential for sustaining improvements in road safety.

Botswana has averaged 400 road traffic fatalities annually. Since implementing an enhanced safe systems approach over the last three years, this trend has shown significant improvement. Modern roadworks now include upgraded pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes to enhance safety, allowing people to move away from traffic, thereby also combating obesity and non-communicable diseases. Traditional pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and improved signage further support these safety enhancements, aiming at reducing injuries among pedestrians and cyclists while easing traffic flow.

This comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and employs a systematic approach ensuring the safety of road infrastructure, vehicles, and users. It emphasizes effective governance, regulation, and funding conducive to road safety. Implementation relies on the National Road Safety Committee’s structured collaboration among key stakeholders, adhering to the five pillars of the Global Road Safety Strategy. Data reveals a positive trend: from 2022 to 2023, there were substantial reductions in overall crashes and fatalities, indicating improved road safety measures.

In 2022, Botswana witnessed 16,404 crashes, resulting in 2,724 minor injuries, 798 serious injuries, and 404 fatalities. In contrast, 2023 recorded a decline to 14,037 crashes, 1,487 minor injuries, 852 serious injuries, and 396 fatalities. Preliminary data for 2024 shows further improvement with 14,372 crashes, 1,605 minor injuries, 828 serious injuries, and 342 fatalities.

The experience in Botswana illustrates the efficacy of a sustained, evidence-based, multi-sectoral approach to road safety in yielding positive outcomes. It highlights the significance of structured leadership by the transport ministry, although there were instances where this leadership was lacking. Continued monitoring and support of these initiatives are crucial for ongoing improvement in road safety.

Botswana’s enhanced safe systems approach has effectively reduced annual road casualties, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive, coordinated strategies in improving road safety. Recent data confirms a positive downward trend in both the number of accidents and fatalities, showcasing the impact of improved infrastructure and safety measures. Ongoing leadership and commitment will be vital to sustaining these advancements in road safety.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int