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Speeding is a significant global issue, with disparities in speed and safety outcomes between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). This study aims to address speed research gaps in LMICs by examining the prevalence of self-reported speeding and factors influencing drivers’ speeding behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). An online survey involving 387 anonymous drivers was conducted in Yaoundé. Results showed that all drivers reported exceeding speed limits, with 81% exceeding them by 5 km/h, 12% by 10 km/h, and 7% by more than 10 km/h in urban areas. On highways, 54% reported exceeding the limit by more than 10 km/h. Age, driver’s license, and gender showed significant associations with speed limit non-compliance. This study’s results suggest that the TPB can be useful in assessing speeding behavior, as the inclusion of TPB variables led to a more than 50% proportionate increase in speeding behavior variance. Structural equation modeling revealed attitude towards speeding as the strongest predictor of speeding intention, along with certain demographics indirectly influencing speeding behavior through speeding intention. Perceived behavioral control and speeding intention directly influenced speeding behavior. These findings emphasize the potential of interventions targeting attitude, intentions, and perceived behavioral control to modify speeding behavior and improve road safety.

In Yaoundé, Cameroon, where walking dominates transport modes, pedestrian safety remains an issue as pedestrians account for a fair share of road traffic casualties, partly due to the lack of walking policies and pedestrian facilities safety data, hindering targeted intervention. This study used a pedestrian safety index (PSI) and the Global Walkability Index (GWI) to investigate 12 road segments frequented by diverse pedestrian groups. Indexes were graded from E—lowest to A—highest and analyzed using description and rank correlation. Main safety issues included lack of adequate and accessible sidewalks, bollards, pedestrian crossings, signage, shade, and street lighting. Only one segment (R7) achieved grade C, while the remainder scored D or E, indicating poor pedestrian safety conditions and an unpleasant walking experience. The correlation coefficient (0.69) between the PSI and GWI at a 99% significance level validated the safety assessment, providing confidence in the results. A seven-year (2024–2030) safety strategy is proposed to improve all roads to grade B. This strategy contains several interventions, including engineering improvement, which have been proven effective. This study offers evidence for city officials to improve pedestrian safety and informs walking policies and the implementation of upcoming projects. Future research should quantify the recommendations’ benefits and validate indexes with crash or conflict data.

Distracted driving is a major cause of road traffic crashes in Yaoundé. This is partly due to the scarcity of enforcement and a lack of evidence and investigation using the distraction safety performance indicator (SPI), hindering evidence-based interventions. This study aimed to address this evidence gap by evaluating the distraction SPI using a proven methodology. Data on distracted driving (handheld mobile device; interaction; eating/smoking/drinking) were collected from roadside observations on 36 randomly selected road sections carefully spread to cover the city. SPIs were computed and weighted with traffic volume to ensure the representativeness of the values. A total of 41,004 drivers were observed (38,248 in cars; 1116 in vans; 977 in trucks; 663 in buses). The prevalence of distracted driving in Yaoundé is 13.69% for the three distractions type combined. The prevalence is 7.84% for interaction, 4.89% for handled mobile device usage and 0.96% for eating/smoking/drinking. Leveraging these insights, a seven year (2024–2030) fighting strategy aimed at halving the prevalence was developed. The strategy contains interventions including legislation/enforcement, which have been proven to be effective. This study, pioneered in Yaoundé, provides stakeholders with evidence of the issue and measures to implement and can also be used when developing a road safety strategy. Future research should consider investigation at national level.

Despite advancements in road safety, Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) remain a vulnerable group with disproportionately high crash rates. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of PTW crashes in six European countries, with a case study of Loss of Control in Curves (LoCC), to address the gap between crash causation and prevention. By examining crash causation factors and their linkage to prevention strategies, the study illustrates various approaches for connecting causes and countermeasures. These approaches, which are applicable to different crash scenarios, include looking forward in the crash causation chains, looking backward, looking at only the last cause (critical events), or the first cause, or following a systemic approach. The research introduces a set of guidelines following the safe system approach, aiming to enhance the understanding of crash prevention among policymakers. The systemic approach to countermeasures, bridges the shortcomings of traditional crash causation studies that may exhibit bias or a narrow focus on “root causes”. The proposed approach emphasizes the need for a comprehensive view of crash scenarios (i.e., considering the entire crash causation chain or multiple causation chains) and ensuring that preventive measures address the full spectrum of the system. It also takes in to account external factors such as cost, benefits, and politics, leading to improved road safety outcomes. The study findings are significant for researchers, since it is a step forward in in-depth crash causation studies, as well as road practitioners and policymakers, in providing a strategic framework for more effective and efficient road safety interventions.