Rwanda has urged countries to step up efforts to prevent road deaths as it showcased its experience in improving traffic safety at a United Nations meeting focused on tackling one of the world’s leading causes of injury and loss of life.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Ngoga, told delegates that a combination of stronger law enforcement, safer infrastructure and public education had helped the country make progress in addressing road accidents.
Ngoga spoke during a high-level UN conference on road safety held in New York on July 20-21, where governments, experts and international organisations gathered to discuss strategies for reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries.
He highlighted Rwanda’s collaboration with the United Nations Road Safety Fund, saying support from international partners had contributed to efforts aimed at improving road safety and reducing the impact of crashes.
“Road safety requires sustained commitment, investment and cooperation,” Ngoga said, calling for continued support to help countries implement measures that protect road users.
Rwanda has strengthened monitoring of driver behaviour, increased enforcement of traffic regulations and invested in road infrastructure designed to improve safety, he said.
The ambassador acknowledged that while progress had been made, more action was needed to achieve global targets, including reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries by half by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN meeting comes as governments worldwide seek solutions to rising road safety challenges, including better enforcement, improved planning and greater protection for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
Participants are expected to use the conference to exchange lessons, strengthen partnerships and renew commitments towards safer roads, with the aim of preventing millions of deaths and injuries linked to road crashes each year.
