PDTU & FAQ

Road Safety is now an international growing concern as road crashes are now taken among the first five causes of death globally. It follows that low and middle-income countries share this burden unproportionally as compared to their counterparts but worse still, is the egregious fact that minority groups such as the disabled bare an unproportionally higher burden even in the vulnerable countries.  

At Safe Way Right Way, we have made it crystal clear that inclusivity is a bedrock principle for Safe Way Right Way, underscoring our works and interventions. This is not merely an obligatory escapade; rather, we appreciate that transportation is an inescapable part of our lives, entailing associated risks. 

In our ongoing effort to create safer roads, Safe Way Right Way, as part of the VIA – the road safety project targeting school going children conducted road safety awareness sessions at the Uganda Society of the Deaf in Namirembe. SWRW cognizant of the unique challenges the pupils who have hearing impairments face, partnered with the school to implement the interventions on road safety. The enthusiasm of the learners and the teachers to learn and share experiences on road safety was a sight to behold – they appreciated the need to use the road responsibly. Road safety, a widely dualistic categorization between motorists and pedestrians, unfortunately tends to overlook other vulnerable groups like children and persons with disabilities. 

Persons with hearing impairments, and indeed other disability categories, occupy a unique position, especially in contemporary times when developing countries embark on their road safety behavioral changes. The interaction with the students revealed their depth of understanding of road safety risks, distractions, proper pedestrian behaviour including annual road fatality rates worldwide and in Uganda, information they had obtained from the road safety trainers SWRW trained. The pupils expressed concerns about the heightened risks they face as pedestrians and cyclists with hearing impairment and appreciated SWRW for providing reflector jackets that will make them visible and easily identifiable by other road users. 

We are confident that this intervention aligns with the theme of this year’s International Week of the Deaf: “A world where deaf people can sign anywhere.” Recognizing that signing requires acknowledgment, these jackets contribute to the foundational language goal. 

During the handover ceremony, Rodgers, a student, remarked, “The reflector vests will make us visible on the road. Being seen clearly by drivers ensures our safety.” jackets” Jamila added that the jackets would be crucial at night, especially during intense traffic, aiding drivers in identifying individuals. This holds particular importance for pedestrians with hearing impairments. 

Isaac Lukyamuzi their teacher appreciated Safe Way Right Way’s gesture, noting its timeliness as the students were breaking off for holidays. Emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with disabilities equitably in road safety, he highlighted the significance of providing services that ensure their safety without added concerns. 

Road safety is a huge challenge in Uganda more so for people with disabilities, the traffic and road safety act has disability inclusive provisions but it has not really taken effect. The government should be intentional about interventions that address the plight of people living with disabilities. There is also need to sensitize the public to take responsibility, exercise caution, and improve road user behaviour,road habits, especially with students returning from school. The duty owed by drivers to pedestrians is high, but it’s even higher towards children and persons with disabilities. The reflector jackets, we argue, equip road users with an additional means to fulfil their duty as we collectively strive for safer roads in Africa.