ROAD SAFETY IN IVORY COAST: A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ACCIDENT STATISTICS
Côte d'Ivoire sees a significant decrease in road accidents. Learn about the National Road Safety Strategy's success in reducing deaths and injuries.
Abidjan, April 16, 2024 – Thanks to the National Road Safety Strategy (SNSR 2021-2025), Côte d'Ivoire is seeing a promising improvement in road safety. This government initiative, launched in July 2021, has already led to a 20% decrease in road accident deaths and a 12% decrease in injuries between 2022 and 2023.
Étienne Kouakou, Technical Advisor for Road Safety at the Ministry of Transport, shared this positive news at the "All About" (TSS) discussion forum in Abidjan-Plateau on April 16, 2024.
Positive Results from a Focused Road Safety Strategy
"Our efforts are making a real difference," said Kouakou. "These numbers are way more than statistics, dey show say lives dey saved. We determined to make our roads safer for everyone."
The SNSR 2021-2025 is a comprehensive plan targeting a 25% reduction in road accident victims by 2025 (compared to 2019 data). Key actions that have contributed to this progress include:
Video Enforcement:
Increased use of video technology to catch traffic violations.
Points-Based Licenses:
Drivers now risk losing their licenses for repeated offenses.
License Review Commission:
Ensuring unsafe drivers are taken off the road.
National Road Safety Weeks:
Regular campaigns to raise public awareness.
Improving Road Safety in Ivory Coast: Signs of Change
"We dey see small-small improvements for road," said Amadou Koné, also a technical advisor to the minister. He noted positive changes like:
Lower Speeds: Average speed for drivers don drop from 80km/h to 59km/h.
Seatbelts Way Up: More pipo dey buckle up now.
Helmet Use on the Rise: Especially for those moto riders on the big roads.
Pillars of the National Road Safety Strategy (SNSR 2021-2025)
The success of the SNSR 2021-2025 hinges on these five key areas:
Road Safety Governance:
Good organization and leadership na key.
Safer Roads:
Making our roads dem less dangerous.
Safe Vehicles:
Proper maintenance and standards.
User Safety:
Focusing on driver education and behavior change.
Post-Accident Care:
Better response and support for accident victims.
The encouraging results show that Côte d'Ivoire is on the right track to make its roads safer for everyone. Let's continue to support these efforts and drive responsibly.
