Facing the Alarming Rise in Road Accidents, Tunisian Authorities Launch an Ambitious Plan to Strengthen Road Safety Through Technology
A series of AI‑powered surveillance cameras will be installed at high‑risk hotspots and busy intersections to detect serious violations—such as not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone while driving—in real time.
Real‑Time Alerts for Drivers
Each infraction will trigger an automatic notification to the driver, providing an instant reaction that can help prevent accidents.
These measures come amid worrying statistics. According to Samia Massaoud, Head of Communications at the National Road Safety Observatory (Onsr), Tunisia recorded 2,680 motorcycle‑related accidents in 2025, resulting in 534 deaths and 3,137 injuries. Motorcycle accidents rank second among road‑mortality causes, just behind speed‑related crashes.
“The installation points were chosen based on precise data, targeting intersections and zones with high traffic density where accidents repeatedly occur,” Massaoud told Diwan FM.
A Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
Beyond digital technologies, authorities are rolling out complementary initiatives:
- Points‑based licensing system – to be gradually enforced, penalising repeat offenders and encouraging more responsible driving.
- Intensified field checks – equipped with next‑generation breath‑alcohol testers to combat drunk or drug‑impaired driving.
Experts highlight driver distraction as a major cause of crashes. Massaoud describes mobile‑phone use as a “catastrophe,” noting that it completely diverts the driver’s attention and dramatically raises the risk of fatal accidents.
“Strict enforcement of traffic laws, combined with surveillance technology, is a crucial lever for saving lives,” she added.
Preventive Measures That Blend Technology and Awareness
The goal is clear: reduce the number of accidents and foster a more disciplined driving culture.
AI‑enabled cameras not only detect violations but also collect data to better understand risky behaviours and fine‑tune road‑safety policies.
“By combining technology, legislation, and public awareness, authorities hope to reverse the alarming trend of road accidents and protect road users—especially motorcyclists, who are the most vulnerable,” Massaoud emphasized.
She concluded that Tunisia is taking a significant step toward more effective road‑safety management, merging technological innovation with legal measures.
“These efforts reflect the authorities’ commitment to creating safer roads and making citizen safety a national priority,” she said.
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