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Stakeholders call for tech investment, safer designs to curb road crashes in Tanzania
What you need to know:
- The appeal follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent revelation that road accidents had increased by nine percent over the past four months compared to the same period last year
Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders in the transport sector are calling for greater investment in modern technology and safer, more inclusive road designs in response to a worrying surge in road traffic accidents.
The appeal follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent revelation that road accidents had increased by nine percent over the past four months compared to the same period last year.
Between January and April 2025, a total of 1,322 accidents were recorded, resulting in 1,275 fatalities.
“Despite various efforts by the government and traffic police, road accidents have continued to increase,” President Samia said on Monday, June 9, while officiating at the passing-out parade for police officers and assistant inspectors from the 2024/25 cohort.
According to the 2024 Crime and Traffic Incidence Statistics Report, the total number of accidents rose slightly by 0.1 percent—from 1,733 incidents in 2023 to 1,735 in 2024.
However, the number of fatalities grew more markedly, increasing by 4.7 percent from 1,118 deaths in 2023 to 1,170 in 2024—an additional 52 lives lost.
LATRA eyes AI-driven monitoring
The Director of Road Transport at the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), Mr Johansen Kahatano, told The Citizen on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 that the authority plans to scale up the use of technology in the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on artificial intelligence.
“Beginning this fiscal year, Latra will install Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) devices and CCTV cameras in cargo trucks and passenger vehicles,” he said.
Mr Kahatano explained that these two categories currently account for the majority of road accidents—unlike upcountry buses, where incidents have decreased due to the installation of VTS, i-buttons, and onboard CCTV systems.
He added that Latra also intends to introduce a comprehensive monitoring system for all vehicle types—including commuter buses—to track driver behaviour, fatigue levels, and adherence to traffic safety regulations.
Recklessness and poor vehicle condition to blame
He noted that investigations following accidents often point to reckless driving—including failure to follow traffic rules and dangerous overtaking—as a leading cause. Poor vehicle maintenance is also a major contributor.
“A recent accident in Mbeya, for example, resulted from brake failure, indicating that the truck involved was in poor mechanical condition,” he said.
He called on all road users to observe traffic signs and regulations, describing this as a fundamental step in preventing future tragedies.
Mr Prosper Nyaki, a transport expert from the National Institute of Transport (NIT), underscored the importance of inclusive road designs.
“We need roads that are user-friendly—not only for vehicles, but also for pedestrians, cyclists, and heavy-duty trucks,” he said.
He emphasised that improved infrastructure must be complemented by robust monitoring systems, fatigue detection technologies, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced professional driver training.
“Such a comprehensive approach,” he noted, “would significantly help to reduce the rising number of accidents on our roads.”
