Road Safety Issues
Road safety is a system problem.
Zambia’s road safety challenge is shaped by speed, unsafe infrastructure, weak protection for pedestrians and children, risky public transport and fleet operations, motorcycle growth, impaired driving, data gaps and post-crash response weaknesses.
ZRST focuses on the issues where practical action can save lives, protect vulnerable road users and strengthen the road safety system.
Why this matters
The case for action is clear.
road traffic accidents recorded in Zambia in 2025.
Source: Zambia Police report, via Zambia Monitorpeople killed in road traffic accidents in 2025.
Source: Zambia Police report, via Zambia Monitorchild casualties recorded in 2025.
Source: Zambia Police report, via Zambia Monitorestimated annual economic cost of road traffic accidents in Zambia.
Source: UNDP Zambia Road Safety Investment CasePriority areas
The issues ZRST works on
This page gives a quick route into ZRST’s main road safety priorities. Each issue connects to practical work, policy engagement, training, research or partnership opportunities.
Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians, children, cyclists and people walking to schools, markets, bus stops and work need safer speeds, safer crossings and safer street design.
Speed and impairment
Speed, alcohol, fatigue and unsafe driver behaviour increase crash risk and severity. ZRST supports evidence-based enforcement, education and practical prevention.
Public transport, fleets and motorcycles
Bus, PSV, fleet and motorcycle safety require trained drivers and riders, safer operations, route-risk awareness, helmets, visibility and stronger accountability.
Safe infrastructure
Road design should protect people from fatal mistakes through traffic calming, sidewalks, safe crossings, road safety audits, blackspot action and NMT planning.
Data and research
Good decisions depend on reliable crash data, transparent reporting, risk mapping, policy briefs, field evidence and careful interpretation of trends.
Post-crash response
Lives also depend on emergency response, trauma care, survivor support, victim dignity and better systems after a crash has happened.
Safe System approach
People make mistakes. The road system should not turn mistakes into death.
Safe speeds
Speeds must match the road environment and the vulnerability of road users.
Safe roads and roadsides
Roads should protect pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, riders and drivers.
Safe vehicles and fleets
Vehicles and fleets must be roadworthy and managed responsibly.
Safe road users
Education, licensing, enforcement and training must support safer behaviour.
Post-crash care
Survival and recovery depend on timely response, care and support.
Shared responsibility
Government, road agencies, companies, communities and road users all have a role.
Work with ZRST on a road safety issue
Partners can support campaigns, policy briefs, training, road safety audits, school-zone work and research around any of these issue areas.