As the year 2024 kicks off, it is both a moment of reflection and an opportunity for collective action.
The recently-released Kampala City Annual Road Safety Report 2022 provides us with valuable insights into the state of road safety and the challenges therein.
Why 2022, you might ask? That is because only after the release of the national statistics by the Traffic Police can we have the city-specific statistics. So, this report follows the Police National Annual Crime report 2022 from earlier in the year. The report is a comprehensive analysis of road safety data collected throughout 2022.
It sheds light on the successes and shortcomings of our current road safety initiatives, offering a roadmap for improvement. The stark reality is that despite our best efforts, road crashes continue to be a significant concern, impacting lives and leaving lasting scars on our community.
One of the key takeaways from the report is the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of crashes. While engineering solutions such as improved infrastructure and traffic management play a crucial role, we must also emphasize the importance of education and behavioral change.
Road safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities; it is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from every citizen. Motorcycles featured prominently in the report statistics with motorcyclists alone accounting for 49 per cent, nearly half of the road crash deaths in 2022. With the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of transport, it is crucial to address the associated risks.
Streamlining of the industry, strict adherence to helmet usage, comprehensive training for motorcycle riders, and robust enforcement of traffic regulations are essential steps to mitigate the dangers posed by motorcycles on our roads. Pedestrian deaths came in close at
42 per cent of the total road crash deaths and that, again, is unacceptable.
Kampala’s streets are the shared space of diverse commuters, from pedestrians navigating busy sidewalks to motorists and cyclists weaving through traffic. However, the alarming number of pedestrian-related incidents demands immediate attention. It is imperative that we prioritize initiatives to enhance pedestrian safety, including well-maintained and protected sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and public awareness campaigns on road etiquette.
Furthermore, the report highlights certain high-risk corridors within the city where crashes are more prevalent. Identifying these areas should trigger us to prioritize improvements and interventions where they are needed most. This targeted approach will ensure that our resources are utilized effectively, leading to tangible results in reducing accident rates and improving overall road safety.
The challenges are significant but so are the opportunities for positive change. Collaboration is important by all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, and the civil society, among others, to implement evidence-based strategies that will make our roads safer for everyone.
Public engagement and community-driven initiatives are key to the success of these endeavors. In conclusion, the release of the third Kampala City Annual Road Safety Report is a call to action. It is a call for teamwork, innovation, and a collective commitment to fostering a culture of safety on our roads.
It compels us to acknowledge road safety as the public health challenge it is, and urgently address it as such. Our city’s (and country’s) streets should be spaces of connection, not calamity; of progress, not peril.
As we navigate the roads, especially over the festive season, let us remember that each decision we make on the road has far-reaching consequences. By working together, we can transform the findings of this report into a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that the streets of Kampala become safer for all who call this city home, and visitors alike.
Happy New Year!
The writer is the Bloomberg Road Safety Project coordinator at KCCA.
Story Credit: JEMIMA NALUMANSI Via The Observer
