Citation

Kemtsop G. Proc. Road Saf. Four Continents Conf. 2007; 14: 16p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Conference Sponsor)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The International Forum for Rural Transport and Development (IFRTD) has pioneered a series of small, predominantly qualitative studies, to promote greater understanding of the ways in which transport safety issues affect the lives of women, men and children living in rural areas of developing countries. In India and Peru the researchers explored safety issues relating to rural roads and argued that safety becomes a critical issue when new or improved rural roads open up formerly isolated areas. This is particularly due to the increased interaction between motorized and non-motorized traffic. The study carried out in India highlights the development of an Accident Potential Index (API), while a study undertaken in Peru concentrates on the gender dimensions of safety and defines the distinction between safety and security. The Peruvian study explores the links between road rehabilitation, tourism and children and women's safety, demonstrating that people, especially women and girl children, feel increasingly unsafe once roads open up. Sexual harassment on transport services is prevalent. For example one respondent confirmed "If I use the car that passes through at 6AM in the morning I won't get a seat when the bus returns, so I would travel crushed or squeezed in the bus, and sometimes they touch me". These types of security risks faced by women and girl children on the move are also reflected in a study carried out in Cameroon of the Bayam Salam (buy and sell) market women. In Madagascar, a case study found that the interaction between motorized and non-motorized transport caused the most incidents on rural roads. These incidents are rarely fatal and with injuries treated at rural health clinics they generally go unreported. This study also focused on the safety aspects of rural water transport, highlighting the additional risks associated with the use of traditional pirogues. Finally research undertaken in Sri Lanka assessed safety with respect to local infrastructure, primarily footbridges and other water crossings. The study, carried out across four villages, revealed that the majority of water crossings do not follow any engineering or safety standards. Despite the risks these crossings present, particularly for the elderly, the time savings they afford local communities in accessing critical services means that they are considered a positive advancement.