Citation

Maqutu D, Zewotir T. Afr. Safety Promot. 2007; 5(1): 57-65.

Affiliation

University of KwaZulu-Natal-Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; National University of Lesotho, Lesotho

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Many low income countries have a serious road accident problem. Nevertheless, the estimation of the national explicit costs of road accidents as well as the implicit value of the accidents is rarely highlighted to policy makers. This article focuses on giving an insight into the challenges of estimating the costs of road accidents in low-income countries where vital registration and relevant statistics concerning road accidents are scarce. The problems of data on the vehicle damage repair costs, victims' medical expenses and administration cost are discussed. A feasible method for costing road accidents in such instances is identified, and the severity and costliness of road accidents in a sub-Saharan African country are demonstrated. The analysis shows, among other things, that road accidents erode more than 1.85% of the country's gross national product.