Investigating Road Safety Deficiencies in School Zones (Case Study: Kigali City)

This report examines road conditions within school zones in Kigali City, Rwanda, focusing on how defects in road design result in traffic accidents, especially injuring students. Rwanda, as a developing nation with increased motorization, is witnessing rising traffic accidents, to some extent caused by unsafe structures. The study used on-site measurements and observations according to safe system principles to determine hazardous design elements such as harsh roads, inadequate footpaths, absence of safe crossing facilities, badly designed intersections, exclusion of vulnerable road users (e.g., children and the disabled), inadequate signs, and inadequate speed control near schools. According to best international practice, the report determines short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to ensure enhanced safety and student-friendly and inclusive road infrastructure.