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Abstract
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In the field of global health and beyond, a great deal of emphasis is often placed on treating and preventing disease, while the determinants of health often take a back seat. Road safety has become a pillar of healthy populations and a priority for sustainable cities, yet many countries continue to grapple with high numbers of fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents. Developing countries, specifically, must treat road safety as a public health priority and develop policies that can sharply decrease the risk of avoidable deaths on the road.
In Sudan, road safety problems pose serious obstacles to population health, social development, and economic prosperity. Pedestrians are particularly at risk, with the burden being greatest for children and adolescents. Although the past few decades have witnessed various investments and political interventions, the persistence of deaths and injuries on Sudanese roads calls for the creation of a new, resilient national strategy.
The issues Sudan sees today can be attributed to many factors, including the lack of surveillance, driver recklessness, and vulnerable roads. As such, a comprehensive road safety strategy must feature two axes: (1) an infrastructural investment in rehabilitating heavily trafficked zones and improving public transportation: and (2) a behavioural component targeting dangerous driver and pedestrian habits with education and enforcement. The paving of highways and strategic placement of road signs can complement population-based efforts such as pedestrian education campaigns in schools and the training of traffic officers. Increased enforcement of speed limits and traffic laws must, however, be balanced with public empowerment: affordable public transportation alternatives and public awareness campaigns.
The issue of road safety is an opportunity for the Sudanese Government to foster ...
Language: en |