A Call for Effective Leadership System Addressing Road Safety Risk factors to Save Lives and Property Losses in Ethiopia A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTA) are currently a leading cause of death, disability, and economic loss
worldwide. This is particularly true in Ethiopia, where a context-dependent studies were not yet
conducted to identify how the leading system contributes to the accidents. Examining risk factors
for road safety and the leadership system that go along with them is the purpose of this study.
Primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data was gathered from lead
agency representatives, transportation authorities, and traffic police officers at the federal,
regional, district and municipal levels using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth
interview modalities. The collected data from both sources were thematically analyzed. The study
found that the provision of road safety assurance in Ethiopia has been hampered by interrelated
factors attributed to drivers (reckless use of seatbelts, excessive speeding, and lack of
professional competence), deviant traffic control and license provision behavior, road quality
and usage, and vehicle conditions. Ineffective road safety leadership system is found to be the
root cause of all the risk factors mentioned above. The system is characterized by poor lead
agency structure, inadequate legislation that are adapted to each risk factor for road safety, a
lack of implementable road safety policies, strategies, and public support mechanisms, and an
absence of technology-supported accident data management systems. This implies that
implementing strong leadership that enhances and puts the aforementioned measures into place
in a coordinated manner at all levels with political commitment ensures road safety in the nation