Road Accidents in Tunisia: A Growing Concern
Colonel Hichem Chaabani, head of the regional road safety department for the Center-West region, stated that Tunisia records 14 road accidents daily, resulting in 3 deaths and 19 injuries. He added that, despite a decrease in the number of accidents and injuries, a 5% increase in the number of fatalities has been observed, confirming that road accidents in Tunisia are becoming more severe. He specified that 40% of road accident fatalities are motorcycle users, followed by pedestrians at 23%. Chaabani explained that it is imperative to free up sidewalks. A study by the National Road Safety Observatory indicated that 50% of sidewalks in the various governorates of the Republic are occupied, whether by chaotic displays, commercial activities, or cars, with a lack of maintenance of pedestrian crossings and speed bumps. He emphasized the need to step up efforts on the ground by addressing danger points and axes where accidents repeat, using available mechanisms while waiting for the adoption of planned legislation to reduce dangerous behaviors that lead to an increase in fatal accidents. Chaabani highlighted that regional equipment departments and municipalities have been invited to become more involved in the road safety system.
Key Statistics:
- 14 road accidents occur daily in Tunisia
- 3 deaths and 19 injuries result from these accidents
- 40% of road accident fatalities are motorcycle users
- 23% of road accident fatalities are pedestrians
- 50% of sidewalks in Tunisia are occupied, hindering pedestrian safety
- A 5% increase in fatalities has been observed, despite a decrease in accidents and injuries
Call to Action:
To address the growing concern of road accidents in Tunisia, it is essential to:
- Free up sidewalks and ensure pedestrian safety
- Address danger points and axes where accidents repeat
- Implement available mechanisms to reduce dangerous behaviors
- Adopt planned legislation to reduce fatal accidents
- Increase involvement of regional equipment departments and municipalities in the road safety system
