Five Year old killed in road accident
The tragic death of a five-year-old boy in Chikwawa has once again highlighted the issue of road safety in Malawi.
According to the police, the boy was hit by a speeding vehicle as he was crossing the road, and died from head
injuries at the hospital. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested and charged with causing death by reckless
driving.This incident is not an isolated one. According to the World Health Organization, Malawi has one of the
highest rates of road traffic fatalities in the world, with 35 deaths per 100,000 population in 2018. The main causes
of road accidents in Malawi are human error, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws.
The police have urged drivers to observe road signs and speed limits, and parents and guardians to ensure that
children are attended to when crossing the road. However, these measures alone may not be enough to prevent
further loss of lives on the roads. There is a need for more investment in road infrastructure, public awareness
campaigns, and stricter penalties for traffic offenders. The government of Malawi has recently launched the
National Road Safety Strategy (2020-2030), which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
The strategy outlines various interventions, such as improving road design and maintenance, enhancing emergency
response and trauma care, strengthening road safety management and coordination, and promoting road safety
education and culture.