Africa is a country with the fewest roads and cars of any region, but it has the highest proportion of motor vehicle fatalities due to common charges such as unsafe habits, speeding and drinking, as well as poor driving habits. Infrastructure, lack of rescuers and old cars are also to blame.
As everywhere, experts say speed, alcohol use, and not wearing seatbelts or helmets are the main causes of deaths and injuries.
But in Africa, where 620 people die in road accidents every day, these problems are exacerbated by poor roads, outdated vehicles, minimal prosecution and a lack of emergency services.
According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, Africa recorded the highest number of road fatalities in 2021, at a record rate of 19.5 deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing other regions of the world including Southeast Asia. exceeded.
Although Africa owns only about 4% of the world’s cars, it accounted for 19% of all road fatalities last year.
“What is worrying is the upward trend in Africa,” said Jean Todt, former president of the International Automobile Federation and current United Nations special envoy for road safety.
Rapid increase in death tollThe continent was the only region where the number of road fatalities increased between 2010 and 2021, increasing by 17% to 226,100. This surge was seen in more than half of Africa’s countries (28 out of 54).
Pedestrians are the biggest victims, accounting for a third of all fatal accidents due to lack of adequate pavement (21% globally).
Mr Todd said: “We need better designed roads with sidewalks, proper signage and pedestrian lanes, especially around schools.”
(AFP)
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