Strengthening Policy for Safer Vehicles and Emergency Response
Why This Matters
As Rwanda continues to modernize, the number of vehicles on our roads is rising rapidly. Yet, many of these vehicles are imported with limited or outdated safety features, posing risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
At the same time, road crashes remain one of the leading causes of death and disability, and emergency medical response services often lack the resources, coordination, or speed needed to save lives in critical moments.
At SafeRoutes4x, we believe that no life should be lost due to preventable risks or delayed care. That’s why we work to strengthen the policies and systems that keep people safe—from the moment a vehicle is imported to the crucial seconds after a crash.
Our programs & initiatives
As a growing voice in road safety, we collaborate with policymakers, transport authorities, and civil society groups to advocate for stronger laws governing vehicle safety.
We are currently working toward:
- Submitting a formal policy proposal by 2027 that recommends safety requirements for all imported vehicles in Rwanda (e.g., airbags, Anti-lock Braking Systems, safe tire standards, and maximum age limits)
- Promoting the enforcement of inspection standards through public education and multi-stakeholder engagement
- Collecting and sharing stories, data, and testimonials that highlight the real impact of unsafe vehicles on Rwandan roads
Our role is to amplify community concerns, provide research, and help build evidence-based consensus on what needs to change.
Every second matters after a crash. But in many areas of Rwanda, emergency response is delayed due to poor coordination, communication gaps, or limited resources.
We support improvements to emergency systems by:
- Advocating for the integration of post-crash care protocols into national road safety policies
- Working with healthcare and transport stakeholders to explore low-cost, scalable solutions for improving emergency communication and triage
- Sharing international best practices with local actors, especially those that support rural and under-resourced communities
- Raising public awareness about first responder training, bystander care, and emergency contacts