Advancing road traffic injury measures in the WANA region towards road safety specific SDGs.

Abstract

The study of road traffic injuries (RTIs) is crucial for understanding the unique challenges faced by West Asia and North Africa (WANA) states. This research evaluates road safety practices in the WANA region, comparing them to global standards, and employs secondary data analysis from sources such as the Global Road Safety Status Report, Global Road Safety Facility, and the World Health Organization. The analysis examines epidemiological data, preventive measures like seatbelt and child-restraint use, and policy development, including national action plans, to estimate road traffic death rates per 10,000 vehicles and per 100,000 population. Data from 23 countries are analyzed, focusing on road traffic injury rates by user type, road safety laws, and global safety targets. Overall, WANA states account for 10.5% of global RTI fatalities, exceeding both world and European averages. Most pedestrian fatalities occur in Ethiopia (40.0%) and Afghanistan (34.0%). This indicates that low enforcement scores (averaging 5 out of 10) in most WANA countries contribute to the insufficient effectiveness of road safety laws in reducing injuries and deaths. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to reduce global road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030 requires commitment and cooperation from governments, communities, and stakeholders in the WANA region.