Pedestrians are the group most at risk to be involved in a road crash, especially children and young people (World Health Organization, 2023). In the African Region pedestrian fatalities account for 33% of road deaths, although this varies according to social and economic factors.

According to police data 350 children are killed in Zambia annually, while traveling to school. The speed of vehicles is an important factor closely related to fatal accidents. Studies have found that pedestrians hit by a vehicle exceeding 30 km/h are more likely to face fatal consequences than if the speed is lower. Children are also more vulnerable due to their small size. The aim of this study was therefore to improve safety outside two Zambian schools using various interventions, pedestrian areas separated from vehicles by reflective bollards, speed limit signs and signs informing drivers that they were entering a school zone. At one of the schools, a zebra crossing and a speed hump were also introduced. The study used both objective measures (i.e., vehicle speed) and subjective measures (i.e., surveys of children, parents, and teachers) to assess the impact.

The results showed a reduction in vehicle speed at the schools that underwent reconstructions. However, in only one of the case schools was the speed reduced to under 30 km/h. The greater speed reduction at this school was probably due to the introduction of both a zebra crossing and a speed hump.

When analysing the difference before and after the reconstruction, the results showed that pupils had become less afraid of the traffic and less worried of being hit by a vehicle when crossing the road. This was especially noted by pupils who attended the school where all the planned measures had been implemented. In contrast, pupils at the control school had become more afraid and worried.

The surveys which participants connected to the case schools completed included some specific questions about the reconstruction. The results showed that pupils felt safer crossing the road after the changes, while parents and teachers also noted improvements in safety, though some concerns remained. The study attached highlights the effectiveness of these safety measures and ends with some recommendations how a standardized process for infrastructure changes at schools can be conducted.