ADDIS ABABA – Jimma University announced that it is actively participating in awareness campaigns and providing intellectual support in drafting laws to reduce traffic accidents in Ethiopia.
The University’s Research Centre for Road and Transport Safety Director, Getachew Tilahun (PhD), told The Ethiopian Herald that the University has organized numerous workshops and conferences to bring together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and harmonize the new road safety regulations endorsed by the Council of Ministers in 2024.
Getachew, who is also a Journalism and Communication lecturer at the University, noted that the center has been deeply involved in the development and implementation of the recently approved national road safety law.
He added that the center has been actively collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, on implementing the new road safety strategy and the non-motorized transport policy.
Getachew’s center has also partnered with the Addis Ababa Traffic Management Authority and Bloomberg Philanthropies to address road safety challenges within the capital and reduce road traffic accidents.
The center is committed to working with partners to develop and implement sustainable solutions to improve road safety for all, he stated.
By establishing its own research center on road transport and forming an interdisciplinary team, Jimma University is striving to protect society from car accidents, thereby creating a safer environment for the community, he stated.
He stressed that road safety is a critical issue, as traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death among young people today. Enhancing road safety requires significant investment in both infrastructure and technology, which can be resource-intensive. However, Getachew suggested that the country has the capability to improve road safety through better human behavior, vehicle safety, and road infrastructure.
“The University’s key focus is to raise community awareness about road safety issues. It is actively engaged in advocacy campaigns within the Jimma area, promoting awareness of critical road safety concerns such as speeding, drunk driving, and the importance of wearing helmets and seatbelts,” he said.
Road safety is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic and integrated approach. Effectively addressing the issue demands the engagement of various stakeholders and a multidisciplinary strategy, Getachew emphasized.
Recognizing the critical importance of reducing the high rate of traffic accidents in Ethiopia, the University has established the Research Centre for Road and Transport Safety to enhance community safety, conduct research, and engage in advocacy efforts at both regional and national levels.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 16 MARCH 2025
