Awareness for CommercIal MotorcyClIsts

by Marwa Chacha Magoti from tanzania

The goal of the "Road Safety Awareness: Commercial Motorcyclists in Dodoma, Tanzania" Project was to reduce road serious injuries and deaths caused by commercial motorcycles on the road through broad public awareness campaigns and safety training for commercial motorcycle drivers aged between 18 and 35.

The project targeted commercial motorcycle drivers and motorcycle association groups in parking venues on trunk roads and selected training centres to educate and inform them about road safety. The project also involved students from select schools and universities and invited them to create and join safety clubs in Dodoma, Tanzania. Attention on road safety and motorcycle use was promoted through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Mass Media, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Zoom.

The project aimed to change road safety policies by implementing the safe system approach and prioritising interventions for motorcycle drivers that addressed issues like speeding, fatigue, distractions, drinking alcohol, and helmet use. Private companies were also invited to partner with public stakeholders to better address commercial motorcycle safety.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

Marwa currently works as an automobile engineer. He also works with the Ministry of Works and Transport in Tanzania as a transport safety Officer in the Directorate of Transport, Environment, and Safety.

He is a PhD candidate at Hasselt University and the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Tanzania. He was first employed in TEMESA, Tanzania, in 2018, where he then proceeded to the University of Hasselt, Belgium, for his Master's program in Transport Science in Traffic Safety. He graduated in 2021 with distinction. He went to Austria for an internship at St. Polten University of Applied Sciences (UAS).

Traffic safety awareness is a top priority for Marwa. He wants to lead interventions that can enhance safety cultures, which will help reduce serious road traffic injuries and fatalities in the community.

Impact snapshots

• Conducted 250 road safety surveys and 2 focus group discussions to inform youth-led road safety initiatives.

• Established 3 road safety clubs by engaging 50 young people through innovation challenges and educational activities.

• Developed and distributed 20 road safety education materials, reaching 200 community

PARTNER ORGANIsATION

Ministry of Works and Transport

The Ministry of Works and Transport is responsible for Roads, Bridges, Ferries and Mechanical Matters, Public Works and Government Buildings; Engineering and Design Works, Material Laboratory, Airports Development; and other transport systems.