A few days ago, the NewTimes published an article on the significant increase in traffic jams especially in peak hours. This issue seems to have been compounded by the re-opening of schools, the most affected areas seem to be Rusororo and Kanombe areas. The article mentions road traffic accidents as one of the issues related to traffic clogging. This is a growing public health issue. Road safety has emerged as an important health priority in sub-Saharan Africa. Trends over the last two decades show that road injury rates in the region have remained among the highest in the world even though substantial improvements are being made in controlling other diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. Unless significant preventive efforts are undertaken, road safety will continue to climb. Across the world, traffic accidents cause major health problems and are of concern to health institutions; nearly 1.35 million people are killed or disabled in traffic accidents every year. In 2019, 93% of road traffic injury‐related mortality occurred in low‐ and middle‐income countries with an estimated burden of 1.3 million deaths. In Rwanda, despite the reduction in road accidents, about 700 people died on roads in 2023, the majority pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. In a report published by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre in 2022, 43.9% of those who were involved in road traffic accidents in Rwanda sustained serious injuries. According to WHO data, road traffic accidents disproportionately affect low‐ and middle‐income countries, where 90% of all road traffic deaths occur despite these countries having only 60% of the world's vehicles. Road traffic deaths and injuries remain a major global health and development challenge. As of 2019, road traffic crashes are the leading killer of children and youth aged 5 to 29 years and are the 12th leading cause of death when all ages are considered. Two-thirds of deaths occur among people of working age (18-59 years), causing huge health, social and economic harm throughout society. This issue is growing; by 2030, road traffic injuries will be the seventh leading cause of death globally. In modern cultures, road accidents are a major source of death and serious injuries. Road traffic injuries are a substantial yet underserved public health issue around the world that requires immediate attention. To prevent accidents in the long term, it is essential to adopt conservative preventive measures that can minimize collisions and promote a safe road environment. In addition to the traffic jam, other main contributors to traffic accidents include poor road conditions, reckless overtaking, walking next to the road, intoxication or drunkenness, illness, use of mobile phones, eating and drinking in the car, inattention in the event of a street accident, and the inability of other drivers to react quickly enough to the situation. Road accidents have a wide range of consequences for everyone involved, from the physical to the emotional to the social and economic. Overall, in Rwanda like elsewhere, the most threatened road user is the person on foot, or on the highway, when trucks and buses are around. With each casualty, there is a tale of lives shattered. The concern is, with further development and urbanization, this public health issue may continue to grow. Road deaths and injuries are preventable through a scientific, system-based approach to road safety. This approach should focus on the interactions between vehicles, road users, and infrastructure to identify effective solutions. Proper vehicle maintenance, including well-functioning brakes, lighting, and tires, plays a critical role in reducing accidents. Phasing out older, polluting vehicles and equipping all vehicles with necessary safety features like seat belts and airbags are essential. Maintaining roads, providing pedestrian footpaths, ensuring clear signage, and implementing separate lanes for different types of vehicles enhance safety and prevent accidents. Human factors are also pivotal in reducing road accidents. Strict driving license issuance based on proficiency from accredited driving schools, mandatory training, and periodic medical check-ups for drivers, particularly for vision and hearing, should be enforced. Public education on traffic rules like the “Road Safety Week”, along with first aid and health training, will contribute to accident prevention. Legislation on drink driving, mandating helmets and seat belts, along with strict traffic rule enforcement, is necessary to improve road safety. Efficient management of accident victims, particularly during the Golden Hour, requires proper medical care facilities and public awareness to reduce mortality and morbidity. In curbing the growth of road traffic accidents, we should consider a multidisciplinary approach to traffic planning and road design, which is done by psychologists, engineers, doctors, sociologists, vehicle experts, community representatives etc. Rather than just a civil engineering issue. We can win this war. Gerayo Amahoro!
