Road Fatalities Drop Globally, But Nigeria and Other Poorer Nations Still Face Deadly Crisis

Road traffic deaths have declined significantly across much of the world over the past three decades, but poorer countries; particularly those in Africa, are not sharing equally in the progress, according to a major new study published in The Lancet Public Health. Researchers found that global road injury and death rates fell by more than 30% between 1990 and 2023, thanks to improvements in vehicle safety, road design, trauma care and stronger enforcement of traffic laws in many high-income countries.

The study found, however, that around 90% of road traffic deaths now occur in low- and middle-income countries, where rapid urbanization, aging road infrastructure, weak enforcement of traffic regulations and limited emergency medical services continue to fuel high fatality rates. The findings were released as world leaders gathered at a United Nations meeting to discuss global road safety.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported separately that road traffic deaths worldwide declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025, but crashes still kill more than 1.1 million people every year, making road accidents the leading cause of death among people aged 5 to 29 years.

Nigeria’s Road Safety Situation

Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by road crashes in Africa.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the country recorded:

9,570 road traffic crashes in 2024

5,421 deaths

Thousands more injuries, many resulting in permanent disabilities.

Road safety experts say the leading causes of crashes in Nigeria include:

• Speeding
• Dangerous and reckless driving
• Poor road conditions
• Overloaded commercial vehicles
• Driver fatigue
• Mechanical failures caused by poor vehicle maintenance
• Weak enforcement of traffic regulations.

The country has witnessed several devastating crashes this year involving fuel tankers, passenger buses and heavy-duty trucks, often resulting in dozens of fatalities at a time.

Africa Faces the World’s Highest Road Fatality Rate

The report also reinforces Africa’s position as the world’s deadliest region for road users.

Despite accounting for only about 3% of the world’s registered vehicles, Africa records more than 300,000 road deaths every year. The continent’s road fatality rate is estimated at 26 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with the global average of roughly 18 per 100,000.

Pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists account for a disproportionately large share of victims because many cities lack safe walkways, cycling infrastructure and protected crossings. Experts also point to inadequate public transport systems and inconsistent enforcement of helmet and seatbelt laws.

Experts Call for Urgent Action

Researchers say road deaths are largely preventable. They recommend:

Stronger enforcement of speed limits and drink-driving laws.

Mandatory seatbelt and helmet use.

Investment in safer roads and pedestrian infrastructure.

Better vehicle safety standards.

Improved emergency response and trauma care.

Expanded public awareness campaigns on road safety.

For Nigeria, transport experts say improving road infrastructure, maintaining highways, enforcing traffic regulations and investing in safer public transport will be essential if the country is to reduce its road death toll and align with the global trend of declining traffic fatalities.