Comparative Analysis of Road Safety Performance in Sub-Saharan African Countries Using Road Safety Performance Index

Abstract

Road traffic accidents claim approximately 1.25 million lives globally each year, with low- and middle-income countries bearing over 90% of these fatalities despite accounting for only 48% of the world's registered vehicles. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, faces severe road safety challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and rapid urbanization. This study introduces the Road Safety Performance Index (RSPI), a comprehensive composite index comprising 13 key indicators, to evaluate and compare road safety performance across 20 Sub-Saharan African countries. Using 2020 data from reputable sources such as the World Bank, government reports, and academic publications, the study employs multiple regression analysis to identify critical factors influencing road safety outcomes. The results reveal significant disparities in road safety performance across the region. Mauritania emerged as the top performer with an RSPI score of 92.03, excelling in areas such as traffic law enforcement and road infrastructure quality. Conversely, Ethiopia and Nigeria demonstrated notable opportunities for improvement, particularly in traffic safety law enforcement and pedestrian safety measures. Key factors influencing road safety performance include urbanization rates, GDP per capita, alcohol consumption, and the quality of road infrastructure. The RSPI provides a robust framework for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize targeted interventions, allocate resources effectively, and foster cross-country knowledge exchange. By addressing critical challenges such as poor road infrastructure, distracted driving, and urban traffic congestion, Sub-Saharan African countries can significantly reduce road traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on road safety in low- and middle-income countries and underscores the importance of evidence-based strategies to create safer and more sustainable transportation systems.

Keywords

• Composite index
• fatalities
• policy interventions
• road safety performance
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• traffic accidents

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