Traffic Accidents: A major cause of environmental damage, government says

DAR ES SALAAM: Traffic accidents continue to be a significant cause of environmental damage in the country.

Ministry representative, Engineer Bernard Kavishe speaking on behalf of the Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, made this statement during the opening of the first AfroSafe Academy conference at the University of Dar es Salaam, June 13, 2024.

Eng Kavishe emphasized that hosting this prestigious initiative highlights the government and the University of Dar es Salaam’s efforts to support national safety.

“This reflects the commitment and dedication of both academic and governmental institutions to traffic safety research and education,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context.
“Many of our infrastructures are not up to standard,” Kavishe noted, underscoring the need for significant improvements.

Today’s event marks a significant milestone not only for Tanzania but for the entire African continent.

“We must deeply engage in our collective mission to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities across Africa,” Kavishe stated.

He also highlighted the broader impacts of traffic accidents, including the risk of disabilities and loss of health.

Despite housing only 4% of the global motor vehicle fleet, African roads account for more than 10% of the world’s traffic fatalities while vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians, are the primary victims, constituting over 40% of traffic deaths.

The two-day conference, organized in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam, aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between international and African road safety experts that provides a platform for joint discussions on the future of traffic safety on the African continent.