Kenyans are all too familiar with the grim headlines: another horrific road accident, another life tragically lost. While these fatalities deserve our attention, the true scope of this crisis is far greater.
In 2024 alone, over 1,189 Kenyans have perished on our roads, a number that continues to climb. But beyond this tragic loss of life, over 7,000 more have been injured in road accidents, many suffering life-altering injuries. This is not just a fatality crisis; it's a human catastrophe demanding immediate action.
In part 1 of this series published last week, I discussed the short-term measures that we can take to reduce fatalities. While this is a vital component, we must also consider the roles of road design in addition to behavioural interventions. This week’s article argues that a multifaceted approach, with a strong emphasis on improving road design, is essential for effectively reducing road deaths in the long term.
Poor road design is a significant factor contributing to high accident rates. Unsafe intersections, inadequate signage, poorly lit roads and lack of pedestrian pathways create hazardous conditions for all road users.
A well-designed road can prevent accidents from happening in the first place. By investing in safer infrastructure—such as better road markings, dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes and proper traffic light systems—we can create an environment that inherently reduces the likelihood of accidents.
In a BBC Future article titled 'Vision zero: How Europe cut the number of people dying on its roads', the story of Sweden’s successful efforts to reduce road traffic fatalities provides valuable lessons. Almost 30 years ago, a serious crash in Sweden led to a shift in how road crashes were perceived.
Claes Tingvall, head of road safety for the Swedish Road Administration, recognised that focusing solely on technological measures (like seatbelts and airbags) wasn’t enough. He emphasised the need to address the combination of speeding, road conditions and driver behaviour.
Sweden adopted the 'Vision Zero' approach, aiming for zero road deaths. The focus shifted from blaming drivers to improving road design and safety features. Other countries, including Norway, have also embraced Vision Zero.
Tingvall emphasised that transport planners, not just drivers, must take responsibility for road safety. Actions include installing median barriers and promoting first aid training. Globally, an estimated 1.2 million lives are lost annually due to road traffic collisions.
While progress has been made, the World Health Organization’s goal of halving road deaths by the end of this decade remains a challenge. Vision Zero emphasises collaboration, safety measures and a commitment to reducing road fatalities globally.
In the article 'We must design alternatives to ‘Highways of Death’” by Etta Madete, the author highlights the devastating impact of road traffic fatalities worldwide. The alarming statistics reveal that every four minutes, 10 lives are lost on the world’s roads—preventable deaths that we know how to avoid.
Madete’s personal experience with the infamous 'highway of death' in Kenya underscores the role of road design. Straight stretches with steep downhill slopes encourage speeding and carelessness. Acknowledging that most road 'accidents' are preventable, global efforts focus on measures like speed management, infrastructure improvement and enforcing traffic laws.
The UN’s 2030 Agenda aims to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths. Despite progress, road injuries remain a leading cause of death globally. Designing safer roads and prioritising safety measures can save countless lives.
Kenya could adapt the Vision Zero approach to our specific context by focusing on high-risk areas like highways and urban centres where most accidents occur. Implementing proven strategies, such as median barriers, speed-calming measures and better pedestrian infrastructure, can make a significant difference.
Data from countries that have adopted these measures show a marked reduction in accidents and fatalities, indicating that similar improvements could have a substantial impact in Kenya. In fact, I am sure that these plans already exist on some bureaucrat's desk or shelf in one of our ministries, waiting never to be implemented.
While trauma hospitals and behavioural interventions are vital, improving road design should be our primary focus. Better-designed roads can prevent accidents from occurring, reducing the overall burden on our healthcare system and saving more lives in the long run. By creating safer roads, we address the issue at its source, preventing the conditions that lead to accidents.
In conclusion, reducing road deaths in Kenya requires a comprehensive approach that includes building trauma hospitals, improving road design and controlling people's actions.
However, the evidence strongly supports prioritising road design as the most effective long-term solution. By investing in safer infrastructure, we can create a road environment that inherently protects all users, preventing accidents before they happen and ultimately saving lives.
The time to act is now. Let us prioritise road design to reduce road deaths and make Kenya’s roads safer for everyone.
Orthopaedic surgeon and a 2024 Global Surgery Advocacy Fellow