30/11/2023
In a significant stride towards enhancing road safety, PhD student Stephen Kome took an active part in a critical Speed Management Workshop and Training held in Ghana and Ethiopia from 11 to 24 november 2023. This initiative, focusing on the dire issue of speeding, aimed at addressing its detrimental impact on road safety, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Speeding exacerbates the exposure, likelihood, and severity of road crashes, with LMICs experiencing a disproportionately higher rate of traffic-related fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users. Thus, implementing effective speed management strategies is crucial for mitigating traffic risks in these regions.
The workshop underscored the importance of customizing speed management strategies to the local contexts of Ghana and Ethiopia. Stephen's involvement in Ghana was particularly enlightening, as it shed light on the various dimensions of speed management and unveiled effective local solutions. The community-driven approaches to speed calming in Accra revealed a critical insight: the intrinsic preference of communities for safety over speed. This observation underscores a universal demand for effective speed management measures rather than the pursuit of higher speeds.
Supported by the World Bank, this initiative aimed at building the capacity of key stakeholders, including the police and relevant government ministries. Stephen made substantial contributions by gathering critical speed data for his research, delivering insightful lectures on speed management, and drawing valuable lessons from the local practices observed. His active participation underscores the practical applicability of his PhD research in tackling global road safety issues, highlighting the significance of advanced traffic management practices in safeguarding lives in LMICs.