Strategies to Promote the Safety of Vulnerable Road Users in Developing and Emerging Countries: South African Experience

Road casualties are discussed from a worldwide perspective. More than 80% of annual traffic casualties occur in developing and emerging countries in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists are a major road safety problem in these countries. In Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, more than 40% of annual road fatalities involve pedestrians compared with less than 20% in Europe and the United States. The focus of this study is South Africa’s strategy to promote the safety of vulnerable road users. The extent of casualties among vulnerable road users and contributing factors are highlighted. Over the last decade, pedestrian fatalities have gradually and steadily declined in South Africa. This study describes the various policies, strategies, and action plans developed and implemented by different government levels in South Africa to promote road traffic safety, particularly the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Barriers to successful implementation are also pointed out. Apart from applying a holistic approach by involving all relevant disciplines, a coordinated and sustained effort of all government levels was encouraged. Joint-venture funding projects among different government levels was emphasized to improve hazardous pedestrian locations. The role of the private sector in South Africa to promote pedestrian safety is also discussed. Practical guidelines are presented for developing and emerging countries to promote the safety of vulnerable road users.