Telematics is it useful and safety? African perspectives

Transport is among the key sectors that play crucial roles in the effort to achieve sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction thereby bringing about sustainable development in Africa. By 2010, traffic accidents in Africa will kill almost the same number of people annually as now die from HIV/AIDS in East and Southern Africa combined. And, for every 20 Africans who die in 2010, one will be killed in a traffic accident. Intelligent Transport Systems play an important role in shaping the future ways of mobility and the transport sector. It is expected that through the use of ITS applications (Telematics), transport will become more efficient, safer and greener. The huge potentials and benefits, however, can only be reaped if ITS solutions are put in place and be well managed. By investing now in reducing the number of traffic accidents, Africa can save millions of lives over the coming decades and reap significant economic and social benefits.