A ROAD SAFETY TECHNICAL FORUM IS HELD IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT OF CAMEROON

On 13 and 14 June 2017, representatives of the public sector, engineering companies and road safety associations met in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for a two-day Road Safety Technical Forum. This free event was organised by STA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport of Cameroon, and supported by two local organisations that advocate for safer roads and improved infrastructures, Pyramide and ADPP. The event gathered more than 170 road and mobility experts from Africa and Europe over two days.

The objective of the Forum was to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practice on road safety in Africa where poor standards and lack of strategic planning contribute every year to thousands of road fatalities. It is estimated that the costs of road fatalities in Cameroon represent 8% of the GDP, tantamount to USD 500 million. Figures show that a quarter of these fatalities are caused by accidents against roadside rigid obstacles. Yet, these numbers are misrepresentative of the actual ones. In fact, as it happens too often, Cameroon does not hold official statistics on this matter.

Like many countries in the region, Cameroon is seeking for improved road safety solutions and management strategies. In this context, during this two-day event, STA’s Training Coordinator, Patrick Asimus, and other experts provided local road safety and mobility professionals with theoretical background and practical case studies in order for them to: i) acquire an overview of road safety frameworks in the EU; ii) understand the importance of a long-term strategic vision; and iii) the importance in the choice of equipment. The Forum particularly focused on the three fundamental pillars of road safety policies: a) Road Restraint Systems (RRS) b) horizontal signage c) vertical signage. For countries like Cameroon, it is of strategic importance acquiring a good understanding of the equipment available in the market and their norms, as well as the tools and know-how which will allow their successful implementation.

This event stirred up a great interest from local authorities and professionals. As part of its mission, STA is looking forward for more collaboration with emerging countries in Africa and around the world to share the knowledge and experiences on road safety.