ADDIS ABABA –Government has launched an updated road safety strategy aimed at significantly reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, the Addis Ababa city traffic management Authority disclosed.
This revised strategy, covering the period 2025-2030, aligns with global and national road safety goals.
The Addis Ababa City Traffic Management Authority General Director Kibebew Mideksa announced the new strategy during a press briefing yesterday. He emphasized that the revised plan incorporates the city’s evolving infrastructure, particularly the ongoing corridor development projects, and reflects the latest global and national road safety best practices.
Apart from improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, the strategy prioritizes creating a safe and efficient transport system for all road users, it was learnt.
The primary objective of strategy is to significantly reduce the number of road traffic fatalities and injuries through utilizing GIS mapping to identify high-risk locations (“black spots”) where fatal crashes frequently occur.
According to the general manager, the strategy will implement a combination of measures, including infrastructure improvements, regulatory changes, and enhanced enforcement.
The strategy specifically targets speeding and drunk driving, which are major contributors to fatal crashes and emphasizes collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, the strategy promotes the adoption of sustainable transport modes, such as public transportation and cycling, to reduce reliance on private vehicles and mitigate climate change.
By promoting sustainable transport, the strategy aims to reduce vehicle ownership and traffic congestion, ultimately improving road safety.
The Addis Ababa City Transport Bureau Head Yabibal Addis on his part stated that the strategy aims to achieve a 25% reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries by 2030. He highlighted the importance of implementing effective road safety interventions across all modes of transport, including mass transit systems.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2024
