Road traffic deaths are a major problem in Africa.

The World Health Organization estimates that road traffic deaths cost African countries at least $26 billion a year.  The WHO also estimates that road traffic injuries cost Africa $12 billion a year. This is partly due to the fact that poor roads lead to greater wear and tear on vehicles, which makes it more likely that drivers will be involved in an accident. Poor road safety standards can also lead to increased fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs. There are many reasons why car accidents occur in Africa, but improving road safety can help reduce the number of people dying on our roads each year.

Africa has a high rate of road accidents, which are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-49.

Road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-49 in Africa. The continent has the highest road traffic fatality rate in the world, with 1 out of every 5 deaths occurring on its roads.

Road safety is a major issue in Africa and there are many factors that contribute to this problem including: bad roads; poor driving habits; lack of enforcement by police officers; lack of awareness among drivers and pedestrians on how to use their vehicles safely.

Roads throughout Africa are not well maintained and many do not have proper road markings or lighting at night.

Poor Transport Infrastructure Africa

Poor transport Infrastructure Africa due to infrastructure deficit (Photo from Africa Sustainability Matters)

Road surfaces are often unpaved and can be very rough, with deep potholes and ruts that may cause your vehicle to swerve. In rural areas, it’s common to come across animals on the roads. Be prepared for this by slowing down when approaching them and being careful not to hit them if they decide to run across your path!

You should also be aware that some drivers tend to overtake in blind spots or on curves – so be sure you keep an eye out for vehicles coming up behind you when changing lanes or turning corners!

Poor roads lead to greater wear and tear on vehicles, which makes it more likely that drivers will be involved in an accident.

Poor roads can lead to accidents, which can lead to injury or death.

Poor roads also cause damage to vehicles and increase maintenance costs. This is because poor road surfaces wear out tires faster and make it harder for drivers to keep control of their vehicles when they go over potholes or uneven surfaces.

In addition, poor roads increase fuel consumption because vehicles have to use more horsepower when driving on them (this means they consume more fuel).

Road Accident Pretoria

Road Accident Pretoria

 

 

 

 

Bus crash in Senegal

Bus crash in Senegal

Many African countries are plagued by corruption and bribery, making it difficult to ensure that traffic laws are enforced effectively.

The problem of corruption is not just a local one. It’s a global one. Corruption is endemic in many African countries, and it affects all aspects of life from healthcare to education and even traffic safety. Where there are no laws or regulations, people will find ways around them for their own benefit–and this can lead to unsafe driving practices on the roadways.

In addition to poor enforcement of traffic laws due to corruption within government agencies charged with doing so (like police), bribes also play an important role in influencing how safe roads are across Africa. Many Africans have learned that if they want something done quickly or efficiently without waiting lines at government offices like passport renewal offices or vehicle registration centers then paying someone off will help get things done faster than any other method available! This practice encourages aggressive driving behaviors as well because drivers assume that there won’t be any consequences for breaking rules like speeding limits because someone else took care of them already!

Poor road safety standards can also lead to increased fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs.

Poor road safety standards can also lead to increased fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs. These are just some of the reasons why it is important for drivers to take care of their vehicles, especially when driving in Africa.

Car Accident in Ethiopia

There are many reasons why car accidents occur in Africa, but improving road safety can help reduce the number of people dying on our roads each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 million people die every year in Africa from motor vehicle crashes as a result of poor road conditions and lack of appropriate equipment. However, if you drive safely and follow all traffic rules, then there is no reason why you should not reach your destination safely.

 

Conclusion

I hope that you are now more informed about the dangers of driving in Africa. Although there are many reasons why car accidents occur in this part of the world, improving road safety can help reduce the number of people dying on our roads each year.

 

 

Read more for deeper understanding of Africa’s public transport. Also, check out OUR MONTHLY NEWS FOR SOME ROAD ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY ISSUES.

REFERENCES

  1. World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 5-29 years in Africa. (Source: WHO, 2021)
  2. African Development Bank Group estimates that road accidents in Africa cost between 1-5% of GDP, with the majority of this cost borne by the poorest and most vulnerable communities. (Source: African Development Bank Group, 2021)
  3. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) reports that road accidents cost African economies an estimated $10 billion annually (https://www.theafricareport.com/8101/road-traffic-accidents-cost-africa-us10-billion/)
  4. According to the World Bank, Africa has the highest road traffic fatality rate of any region in the world, with an estimated 26.6 deaths per 100,000 population. (Source: World Bank, 2021)

I hope you find this article useful! If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly. 🙂

****Featured image source: Design AI and Vecteezy