Tragic statistics show that African roads are among the deadliest in the world

Africa has the fewest roads and cars of any region, and yet the highest rate of road deaths, which are due to the usual suspects – unsafe habits, speeding and drinking – but also poor infrastructure, few rescuers and old cars.

As is the case everywhere, experts say speed, alcohol and not wearing a seat belt or helmet are among the main causes of death and injury.

But in Africa, where there are 620 road deaths every day, these problems are compounded by poor roads, outdated vehicles, minimal law enforcement and a lack of emergency services.

A recent World Health Organization report found that Africa outperformed the rest of the world, including Southeast Asia – which recorded the most road deaths – with a record rate of 19.5 fatalities per 100,000 people in 2021.

Africa is home to only about four percent of the world’s automobiles and was responsible for 19 percent of road deaths last year.

“The upward trend in Africa is worrying,” said Jean Todt, former head of the International Automobile Federation and now a United Nations special envoy for road safety.

Increase in deaths

The continent is the only region where the number of road deaths increased between 2010 and 2021 – by 17 percent to 226,100. The increase was observed in more than half of African countries (28 out of 54).

The biggest victims are pedestrians, who account for a third of fatalities due to a lack of suitable sidewalks, compared to 21 percent worldwide.

“We need better designed streets with sidewalks, proper signage and pedestrian paths, especially around schools,” Todt said.

(AFP)

Read more about RFI English

Also read:
Bumpy road ahead as Ethiopia struggles with electric vehicle revolution
Lagos residents rediscover the city with the iconic Danfo minibus
A taxi war is brewing in Nairobi as startups take on Uber