Ousman HASSAN, a former Public Works executive who worked on infrastructure projects in France, asserts that road accidents in Benin are not inevitable but rather the predictable outcome of a failing system. HASSAN, drawing on his extensive experience, particularly from his work on infrastructure projects in France, emphasizes that road accidents in Benin are not a fatality but the measurable result of a failing system that can be corrected. This perspective shows a belief that collective action can address the widespread issue. HASSAN states, “Chaque matin, en prenant la route au Bénin, nous jouons collectivement à une loterie dont les perdants paient de leur vie ou de leur intégrité physique. Les accidents de la route ne sont pas une fatalité. Ils sont le résultat mesurable d’un système défaillant que nous avons, collectivement, le pouvoir de corriger.”
HASSAN initiated a public discussion on road safety, describing it as the first topic in his new column, "La voix du praticien," intended to propose solutions rather than merely criticize. He argues that reforming road safety in Benin does not require extraordinary resources but demands methodology and political will. HASSAN emphasizes that vehicles failing technical inspections should not be allowed on the road, adding, "Les sanctions pour les centres qui délivrent des attestations de complaisance doivent être sévères et appliquées sans exception." He concludes, “Ce qui manque au Bénin en matière de sécurité routière, ce n’est pas la connaissance du problème. C’est la décision ferme et durable de le traiter comme une priorité nationale.” This statement notes a critical gap between understanding the problem and implementing decisive, sustained action.
Root Causes of Insecurity
Many vehicles operating on Benin's roads are reportedly in poor technical condition, with observations indicating the presence of old trucks and cars featuring damaged windshields, worn tires, and faulty lights. Road insecurity in Benin is attributed to several factors including insufficient driver training, a widespread ignorance of traffic regulations, and infrastructure issues such as incomplete, non-compliant, or entirely absent signage, alongside degraded road surfaces. The enforcement of traffic infractions is also described as aleatory, further contributing to the problem. The combination of these factors creates a hazardous environment for all road users.
Drivers of motorcycles, specifically those known as 'zémidjans', constitute the largest segment of road users and are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. These motorcycle operators, who represent the majority of road users, frequently find themselves at the center of traffic incidents. The process of technical vehicle inspections in Benin has reportedly devolved into a mere administrative formality, often subject to negotiation rather than serving as a genuine assessment of a vehicle's roadworthiness. This practice allows poorly maintained vehicles to remain on the road, directly contributing to the elevated risk of accidents. This lax approach to inspections undermines efforts to ensure vehicle safety standards.
Pedestrians also play a role in road insecurity, with instances of individuals walking on roads despite the availability of sidewalks, crossing outside designated areas, and failing to check for oncoming traffic before crossing. Such behaviors, whether due to lack of awareness or disregard for safety protocols, contribute significantly to the complex web of factors undermining road safety. These combined factors contribute to a complex environment where road safety is consistently undermined, creating a situation where preventable accidents are common.
Proposed Solutions for Drivers
Proposed measures for improving road safety in Benin include specific training for motorcycle operators, known as 'zémidjans', focusing on traffic laws. These measures also call for mandatory helmet use for all motorcyclists, systematic and traceable registration of their vehicles, and full insurance coverage. These targeted interventions aim to address the specific vulnerabilities associated with motorcycle use.
To enhance driver training, a simple but effective step would involve requiring all candidates to successfully pass the theoretical traffic code examination prior to commencing practical driving lessons. This foundational knowledge is considered key before hands-on experience on the road. The implementation of mandatory and renewable certification for all instructors at driving schools is proposed to ensure a consistent standard of teaching. This would elevate the quality of instruction and, by extension, the competency of new drivers.
For broader road education, a national program integrated into school curricula starting from middle school is suggested. This educational initiative would be supplemented by mobile campaigns specifically targeting rural areas to ensure widespread awareness and understanding of road safety principles. Such a full educational approach is vital for fostering a culture of road safety from a young age and reaching communities that might otherwise be underserved.
Infrastructure and Enforcement Reforms
Reform of technical vehicle inspections is considered non-negotiable, with proposals for independent accredited centers to conduct these inspections under regular, unannounced audits. This shift aims to eliminate the current system of informal negotiations and ensure genuine assessments of vehicle condition. Calls have also been made for severe sanctions against centers found to be issuing fraudulent technical inspection certificates. These stringent measures are intended to restore integrity to the inspection process and remove unsafe vehicles from circulation.
To enhance enforcement, the creation of a special brigade dedicated to repressing road traffic infractions is proposed, staffed by agents with a full mastery of traffic laws. Such a specialized unit would ensure consistent and knowledgeable application of regulations. Further proposals include the digital traceability of every traffic control intervention through a dedicated mobile application, aimed at eliminating informal arrangements. This digital solution would bring transparency and accountability to roadside checks, reducing opportunities for corruption. A national application designed to centralize information on drivers and vehicles, including permits, insurance, technical inspections, and infractions, is also suggested. This centralized database would provide a holistic view of road users and their compliance history.
The complete restoration of vertical and horizontal signage, encompassing road panels, reflective road markings, and traffic lights, is identified as a non-negotiable condition for improving road safety. Clear and consistent signage is fundamental for guiding drivers and pedestrians safely. An audit of the most dangerous infrastructure points and their progressive upgrading is additionally proposed to address systemic road hazards. This proactive approach would identify and mitigate high-risk areas, thereby preventing future accidents.
The Call for Political Action
Addressing Benin's road safety crisis requires a firm commitment from the government, according to a recent analysis. The article argues that the primary obstacle is not a lack of understanding regarding the problem's scope or its solutions. Instead, the country's challenge lies in the absence of a decisive and sustained political will to elevate road safety to the status of a national priority. What is missing in Benin regarding road safety is not knowledge of the problem, but the firm and lasting decision to treat it as a national priority. This perspective suggests that while technical knowledge and proposed reforms exist, their implementation hinges on a high-level determination to enforce regulations rigorously and invest in full safety measures. Without this sustained political engagement, efforts to curb the rising toll of road accidents are likely to remain fragmented and ineffective, leaving the population to continue facing preventable dangers on the roads.
