Promoting health and safety in public transportation: A call to action for sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Road Traffic Incidents (RTIs) are a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low-income to middle-income regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. Data from sub-Saharan Africa suggests that the public transport industry accounts for the majority of fatal crashes that contribute to the high mortality and morbidity associated with RTIs. In this viewpoint, we advocate for integrated and comprehensive evidence-based health and safety interventions to address the challenge of RTIs in the public transport industry in sub-Saharan Africa. We provide evidence on the magnitude of the problem drawing on the state of mortality and morbidity and reported challenges associated with RTIs in the minibus taxi industry in South Africa as this is the most common mode of public transport in the region.