Road Safety Secretariat Action Plan
The Road Safety Action Plan for Liberia outlines a severe and urgent public health crisis. The report establishes that Liberia faces one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, a problem that is causing significant human suffering, economic loss, and social disruption. This crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including dangerous driver behavior, poor road conditions, and a general lack of effective enforcement and public awareness regarding traffic laws. The plan positions this not just as a transportation issue, but as a critical national development challenge that requires immediate and coordinated action.
The core of the action plan is a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to address the root causes of road accidents. It proposes a coordinated framework focusing on five key pillars: improved institutional management of road safety, safer road infrastructure, enhanced vehicle safety standards, safer road user behavior, and more effective post-crash emergency response. Key recommendations include the establishment of a lead road safety agency, targeted engineering improvements on high-risk roads, public awareness campaigns on issues like speeding and drunk driving, and strengthening the capacity of emergency medical services to respond to collisions.
Ultimately, the document serves as a formal call to action for the Liberian government and its international partners. It emphasizes that successful implementation will require strong political will, sustainable funding, and collaboration across multiple ministries and sectors. The plan is presented as a vital, time-sensitive blueprint to save lives, prevent injuries, and secure Liberia's economic future by creating a safer and more efficient road transport system for all its citizens.
