Morocco launches emergency road safety plan

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ROAD SAFETY and SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY NEWSLETTER
Spring Issue 1
Volume 1
Your Ideas
Your Initiatives Project
ROAD SAFETY and SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Ibnou Al Yassamine High School
Hay Hassani Delegation;Great Casablanca Academy,The Kingdom of Morocco
Sponsor: Renault France
Editors: 5 Stars
Coordinator : Bouchaib Zahawi
Partners: Students Parents' Association / Moroccan Association of Character Education
Contact: yasamineroadsafety@yahoo.fr / thecasaknight@yahoo.fr
Lycée Qualifiant Ibn El Yassmine
Rue n: 4 Mazola,Hay Hassani
Tel.: (212) 05 22 90 34 19 / (212) 06 59 36 31 30
2008-02-20
With 200 drivers injured daily on Moroccan roads, the government has
introduced a new safety plan. The revised Highway Code includes stiffer
penalties on offenders, greater protection for pedestrians and
improvements to road signs.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat –
20/02/08
In a bid to improve safety on Morocco's
roadways, the government has drawn up a
new 1 billion-dirham emergency road safety
plan for 2008-2010.
Adopted on Monday (February 18th) in
Rabat, the plan is aimed at reducing the
current increase in road accidents initially
and then ultimately reversing the trend. An
average of 10 people die and 200 are
seriously injured every day on Morocco’s
roads.
Azzedine Chraibi, Permanent Secretary of
the National Committee for the Prevention of
Road Traffic Accidents, said the road safety
[Getty Images] Moroccans
look on at the site of crash
between a truck and bus
carrying tourists near
Benguerir. An average of
10 people die and 200 are
seriously injured every
day on Moroccan roads.
campaign is aimed primarily at tackling non-compliance with the country’s
Highway Code.
The government has stressed the importance of implementing the draft
code, an effective legal framework which officials say will guarantee the
legality of all measures taken with regard to road safety. One of the main
features of the code is an attempt to tackle repeat offences by expanding
the use of spot fines and agreed fines which are generally collected
immediately – a practice most drivers oppose. "There’s already corruption
as it is. If they increase fines, it'll get out of hand," said teacher Samid
Berrahou.
The plan also includes a number of other measures, including some aimed
at saving the lives of people in vulnerable categories, such as pedestrians
and drivers of two-wheeled vehicles. Some relate to roadside amenities,
such as the introduction of new vertical and horizontal road signs in
towns. Local authorities have also been asked to make road safety central
to their strategies, while a new government handbook has been published
to standardise road sign design.
Road checks are to be tightened up, with enhanced monitoring to ensure
their credibility and transparency, while resources and equipment for
checks will also be boosted. The government has also decided to set up a
committee headed by the Ministry of the Interior to implement a general
emergency telephone service and devise rapid emergency response
programmes to cut down call-out times and make emergency assistance
more efficient.
The new three-year plan follows an earlier attempt in 2003 which the
government credits with establishing a programme to monitor roads with
high incidences of accidents and improving the road network and urban
highway maintenance. It was also aimed at making road signage more
consistent, tackling accident blackspots, building cycle lanes and
revamping the road network.
The country’s fleet of rescue vehicles and ambulances also received a
boost, with 166 new vehicles. Eleven new emergency medical centres
have been opened and 15 rescue centres have also been built.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is optimistic about the plan,
saying that the first phase has already slowed down the rise in accidents.
Before its introduction, the number of people involved in road accidents
had been increasing by nearly 4.5% per year. This level has since
dropped. "If the plan had not been implemented," said Minister of
Transport Karim Ghellab, "statistical projections show the number of
people killed would have been 4,490 instead of the actual figure of 3,750."
This content was commissioned for Magharebia.com.
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2009-02-20
Maghreb road safety officials meet in Rabat to tackle the issue of traffic
accidents. "Practical solutions to bring an end to this problem exist," said
the president of Prévention Routière Internationale.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat –
20/02/09
The first Maghreb workshop on road safety
wrapped up in Rabat on Thursday (February
19th). The forum, entitled "The role of
safety policies against violence on the
roads", is a practical outworking of
decisions taken at the eleventh session of
the Maghreb council of transport ministers
held in Skhirat between March 27th and
March 29th, 2007.
[File] Road accidents cause
The two-day workshop, the first of its kind, some 4,000 deaths annually
sought to bring together Maghreb officials
in Morocco alone.
responsible for road safety. According to
many participants, the number of accidents in the region continues to rise,
despite stepped-up road safety campaigns. The accidents result in higher
social costs each year.
"Morocco is ready to share its experience in scientific research on road
safety with the other Maghreb countries," said Moroccan Minister of
Equipment and Transport Karim Ghellab.
"The problem of road traffic accidents is a complex one," he added. "So a
partnership in sharing experiences is proving necessary, if there is to be
an end to the slaughter taking place on the roads. Maghreb societies are
very similar, and so are the problems facing the whole Maghreb. By
working together, we can improve our collective performance on road
safety."
In a speech delivered on his behalf at the inaugural session, Arab Maghreb
Union (UMA) Secretary-General Habib Ben Yahya welcomed the workshop.
Ben Yahya commended the programme put together by the Maghreb body
to prevent road traffic accidents, based essentially on reinforcing practical
and legislative measures concerning road safety.
"It is certainly necessary to step up controls and sanctions to limit the
ever-growing problem of accidents," said Afifi Fariki, president of the Arab
Road Safety Organisation, "but not to neglect a more educational
approach based on raising public awareness."
Related Articles
2007-11-20
Transport strike affects economic activities in Morocco
2007-04-05
UMA Director of Infrastructure Abdelkader Bouchentouf said that he found
the figures for the whole of the Maghreb alarming. The average number of
people killed on the roads in Morocco is about 4,000 every year, and
Algeria sees almost the same number of deaths.
"Hence, the Maghreb-wide discussions that have just started in Morocco
can be seen as a positive initiative, starting us down the road of tackling
the proliferation of accidents," added Bouchentouf.
Bouchentouf called for there to be many more meetings and joint efforts
of this kind, so that effective solutions could be found together.
"Practical solutions to bring an end to this problem exist, by getting the
authorities, civil society and individuals to take responsibility," said Joop
Goos, president of Prévention Routière Internationale, an international
road safety organisation.
This content was commissioned for Magharebia.com.
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Algeria
Morocco
/Topic/Social_Issues
Road Safety
Transportation and driving
/Topic/Social_Issues
3535
moha Posted 2009-02-20
the main cause of the road accidents in morocco is that most cars show
over 200 000 miles in their meters the government should give free tax
Duane to people who import new cars so we can have new cars in our
roads cars are very old and broken some times it's hard to make it to your
destinations ,shame on you the minister of transportation, where the
Duane money goes too ? meanwhile they have to stop the garbage that
immigrants do bring from Europe .stores are closed ,our people must buy
new stuff in our country ,we are sick and shamed of dirty mind of our
government. We need good people who love their country Those people
who stop new cars form coming in to our roads are to blame for killing
innocent people in our roads and must be brought to justice .Duane is a
dirty system and cares for nothing but for their personnel satisfactions…
Eng.Hasan Al-Bahkali Posted 2009-02-22
Traffic safety (road safety, vehicle safety and human safety). It is noticed
that 85% of road accidents are the fault of man. Road accidents and their
increasing numbers in the Arab nation require a serious attitude of order
authorities, awareness-raising, then the safety of the vehicle and safety of
the road. We ask God safety for everyone. Engineer Hasan Al Bahkali.
Mohamed Posted 2009-02-22
Yes, but the Moroccans need cars in order to be able to have accidents!
Indeed, Moroccan car parks are the smallest there are given the number
of inhabitants. So, there is nothing unusual about it having less deadly
accidents than other Arab countries.
acharif moulay abdellah bouskraoui Posted 2009-02-22
Morocco is doing its all in order to reduce the number of traffic accidents
by preventing all possibilities for this. And, the NGOs are participating in
this in the spirit of solidarity and citizenship. Morocco is the number-one
democratic Arab country. It has a long-term, democratic strategy and
vision to resolve its problems. –Signed, Acharif Moulay Abdellah
Bouskraoui.
concerned motorist Posted 2009-02-23
The issues lie in people not following the rules of the road and the police
being corrupt. What good are rules which are not enforced? Police who
ignore the rules themselves? Motorists who know that they can give a
police offer 50 dirhams to look the other way? Morocco needs to start by
paying their police enough money so that they do not need to take
bribes.And by enforcing the rules equally regardless of "who" you are.
catherine Posted 2009-02-24
Road safety is the responsibility of all.There needs to be larger penalties
for driving poorly.There needs to be increased fines,confiscation of
unroadworthy vehicles or confiscation of peoples vehicles who have driven
in a dangerous manner jeopardising peoples lives. Too many times people
don't observe road rules ie creating additional lanes when they don't exist
,overtaking when they shouldn't,failing to observe traffic signals,not
knowing rules of roundabouts ,excessive speeding etc.Where are the
people to book and fine these poor drivers I'am sick of my childs life being
endangeared when we are in the car. Stiff fines penalties and confiscation
of vehicles immediate loss of licence for reckless driving thats what needs
to be done.Police should fine all offenders no more letting people off or
grafting.This money can then be used to fix the poor conditions of some of
the roads that lead to accidents through increased revenue. As an aside
trucks should be banned from certain roads because they are destroying
the quality of some of the roads and they should only be allowed to use
certain routes because of their weight .There sould be additional tax and
registration payments for owners of trucks who ruin roads this money can
then be used to help fix the roads.There needs to be tougher driving
licence tests there should be a 4 stage process: Learners theoretical test
on road rules.Learners permit with 100 hours of driving practice required
speed limit 70km with a qualified driver then a practical driving test before
getting a provisional licence. Provisional licence 2 stage process speed
limit 90 km.First provisional licence 18months then computerised or
theory test after completion.Second provisional licence 12 months another
test.Finally full licence. TBC
catherine Posted 2009-02-24
part 2.I know that morrocco is committed to improving road saftey but
there really needs to be a war of the roads in safety as the the morroccan
govt says.As part 1 of my blog referred to there needs to be stricter
driving rules and tests it is far to easy to get a licence without doing
enough practical experience.The process suggested seems long ie 4 step
licence process but it is adopted by other countries and enforced. The cost
to the country in accidents and loss of life is staggeringso any
improvement or investment in redeveloping the testing requirements
would be worthwhile. Penalities,penalities,fines and vehicle confiscation
that will work whenever people are effected in the hip pocket that will
change the recklessness of peoples driving habits.Police should have
revenue quotas for fines the money can be used for education and
roadworks. Stricter penalties on reckless overseas drivers also needs to be
enforced with immediate fines or vehicle confiscation. Vehicle confiscation
sounds extreme but it does happen OS the gvt auctions the cars off for
revenue generation if fines aren't paid. There also needs to be greater
policing on unroadworthy vehicles and overloading with cargo or
passengers.Fines and confiscation,I'm sick of being on the road with
people whose lights don't work or the vehicle is too slow because it is not
mechanically sound. Licences should be on a point system lose points lose
licence.Action,Action,I would love to reform this system and fix the
problem There seems to be alot of words and not enough tangible action.
There needs to be better pedistrian education for the public and
schools.Pedistrians do not observe roadrules there should be fines for jay
walking. Put me on a commitee I can assist,we can all play our part not
just the gvt.
Jamal Morelli Posted 2009-02-27
Moroccans are the worst drivers in the history of the car. Aggressive as
Italians but without the ability to keep the car on the road. Reckless as
Mumbai drivers but without the sense to realize when they are at fault.
Lawless - but who needs laws when you have fat Commisariat's to pump
400 DH to if you break they laws. And don't tell that the stink of the
exhaust doesn't get to you. I can smell it on my clothes driving only from
Narjis to the Medina.(Fes) Driving in Morocco has one thing to commend
it: If you ever wanted to know what it would be like to drive alongside
inept five year olds.... your wish will come true. One other thing, we have
the benefit of knowing that the appearance of a Grand Taxi will satisfy
every complaint I listed above with almost no exception.
Harry Ford in England Posted 2009-02-28
The whole of the Maghreb has it's share of bad drivers but worse than that
is the poor condition of many vehicles. Here in England there is a
compulsory test for roadworthiness on vehicles that are more than 3 years
old. This test (about £50) is very thorough. Without a certificate to prove
a vehicle is safe,that vehicle cannot be used on Public Roads. All vehicles
must have Compulsory Insurance. All vehicles must have a Compulsory
Road Tax Display. I don't know how much 400 Dirhams is in Sterling but a
basic fine for bad parking is £30-£60 here. This is regarded as a petty
offence. Speeding can get you into prison under the wrong conditions.
Slow Down and Save Lives!
samira Posted 2009-03-01
I am Moroccan. We always suffer from road accidents. There should be an
end to this.
BEN Posted 2009-03-06
On the roads and in the towns where the police and gendarmes keep
watch, there are necessarily less accidents. The tireless efforts of the Arab
Road Safety Organisation in making the citizens aware of traffic violations
and accidents are worth highlighting. A seminar on the road safety at a
Maghreb-wide level!? You must be dreaming! When are we going to
expand the scope of this dialogue? Let us have a seminar, for example,
with the police, gendarmes, automobile experts, doctors, caretakers for
people who became disabled from automobile accidents and so on and so
on. There are so many things to tell and so many experiences to exchange
among us people of the Maghreb. We will not talk politics here - that is for
sure - because that is a domain reserved for people who have not ceased
to relegate everyone to spinning in circles, just like they hope to do with
the people of the Maghreb.
‫ش‬
Posted 2009-03-09
All previous comments as well as the comment of the sister Sara did not
mention two important causes of the high road accidents in Morocco
according to statements of doctors and assessment of victims by people.
The first is addiction to alcohol. The second is the fake driving licence
obtained through bribery. But that Mr Ghellab says there are
complications, this is not true. However, in Morocco everything which
comes through alcohol and drunkenness is acceptable whether it is
(madness), loss of mind, chaos, interrupting the way, accidents and so on.
The drunken person is a good citizen. Salam.
‫ د ازر ل‬Posted 2009-07-13
We hope this phenomenon will be eliminated.
sofi Posted 2009-12-03
don't forget that speed it's the main reason of this accidents
majhoule Posted 2009-12-23
In my opinion, road accidents are caused by drivers who don't respect
traffic laws. Stop blaming Moroccans. I read in a comment that it is
Moroccans who aren't good drivers. Aren't you Moroccans? I say we
should support our country and contribute to the development of the
country. Let's change our behaviour.
hassn Posted 2009-12-29
This is very nice.
afaf el ktami Posted 2010-02-12
Thank you!
souky Posted 2010-02-16
Don't forget that speed is the main cause of accidents!
zakaria Posted 2010-02-18
Thank you!
‫دة‬
Posted 2010-02-21
Thank you for your efforts for us.
A Life At Risk Posted 2010-07-25
Help! People are dying out here. Men harass women drivers and threaten
them, young drivers are speeding through heavy pedestrian throughways,
cell phone use is notorious, heavy equipment forces the right of way,
children are loose in the cars; lack of respect for the law AND for human
life seems to be the only rule of the road. Another problem, motorbikes
without lights, overloaded with too many passengers, carrying infants and
unprotected small children, not respecting the flow or direction of traffic or
traffic signs and signals, not registered or insured, and no helmets 99% of
the time. Underage drivers are a given. I have never witnessed the
absolute lack of regard for human public safety and the outright disrespect
for everybody that exists on Moroccan roads. Pedestrians are as much at
fault - crossing on green, crossing diagonally, standing or walking in a
traffic lane, blocking intersections to beg, jumping in front of moving
vehicles to stop them or get on a motorbike, etc. Driving is not a pleasure
in Morocco, it is an exercise in terror-tolerance and complete frustration.
Taking a taxi doubles it and walking is not better. I was almost run down
twice on a side walk and my son was hit by a motorbike speeding through
a school zone. I saw a small girl hit by a motorbike and pulled from her
mother's hand, and the adult male driver cried more than anybody - he
was poor and had no insurance, boo hoo. He thought he should go free
because it would hurt his family. Any thoughts on this, Morocco???
Mark Posted 2010-11-04
well this is all true but the worst for is mums and dads with the young kids
walking the kids are on the road and the dads on the pavement mums
with prams push out onto the road not looking, and working out on the
road when on the MB phone without looking its all to sad speed kills......
Anonymous Posted 2011-02-10
I do not think that we are going to participate in the development of our
country with words and speeches that serve no ends. We need to be
logical in our mentality and think and see things from all sides. This is why
each of us needs to respect the domestic and foreign regulations and also
need to respect the principles our religion demands of us. We want
enforcement, not just words. Be frank among yourselves, and I hope that
everyone will say their opinion without lies.
nada Posted 2011-02-15
Thank you for all your warnings!
fouad Posted 2011-03-07
please stop having accident
EuroMed Transport Study Road
Transport In Maghreb Countries
Algeria – Morocco – Tunisia
Status Report on the Implementation of the Actions of the
Regional Transport Action Plan (RTAP) for the Mediterranean
2007-2013 & Recommendations for further Implementation MOROCCO
3.1 Presentation of the Transports’ Sector
The transports’ sector provide in average 7% of the GDP. It directly employs 6% of
the labor force, contributes about 15% of the State budget revenues and uses 40% of
the national energy consumption.
Depending on the year, it absorbs between 20 and 25% of the State investment’s
general budget.
On the other hand, transport infrastructures in Morocco are quite developed and
include the following:
A road transportation network with the following characteristics:
- It covers 90% of people’s mobility and 75% of the transport of goods and products
excluding phosphates;
- It hosts the traffic of nearly 50 Million-km a day;
- It covers 61,000 km, 35,660 of which are tarred, and nearly 800 km of highways
including 6,000 structures, 56% of which are bridges and 36% are box culverts.
A railways network, covering about 2,000 km carrying more than 35 Million tons of
goods and 25 Million passengers every year;
27 port cities and 30 ports in addition to the Tangier-Med port spread over the
3,500 km long shore on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, handling an
annual traffic of nearly 60 Million tons of goods and the transport of millions people;
15 national and international airports, annually catering for 7 Million passengers
and 51 Million cargo tons, knowing that the 3 airports of Casablanca, Marrakech and
Agadir cover for about 90 % of the entire traffic.
3.2 Transport Stakeholders
The transports’ sector is characterized by the existence of several players, both
public and private. It is managed by the Ministry of Equipment and Transport (MET)
which is the main body in charge of the administration and legislation design.
The road transport in Morocco is organized and managed by the Ministry through the
following departments:
The Roads and Road Traffic Department (DRCR) is in charge of the maintenance
and extension of the road network. This includes planning, definition of specifications
and standards, provision and allocation of funds, contracting, monitoring works and
paying amounts due to contractors. Its mission is supported by FSR.
The Road Transport Department (DTR) in charge of the administration of road
transport activities. It includes two divisions, the Studies and Regulation Division and
the Transportation Division.
The Department of the Road Transportation Safety (DSRT), in charge of the safety
of road transports, the safety of vehicles and driving (driving licenses). It manages
the technical control of vehicles and the training of drivers.
The Department of Studies, Planning and Coordination (DEPC) in charge of the
transportation sector’s information system, the planning and development of the
sector and coordination between transport modes.
3 Adherence to EEC-UN Agreements (UNECE)
Morocco signed the following conventions2
Road traffic, :
Road signaling,
World technical car regulations,
CMR (1956),
TIR (1959 et 1975),
Dangerous goods (ADR),
Perishables (ATP),
Location and validity of the driving license,
Temporary importation of private road vehicles,
Customs convention on containers.
Morocco has also signed the transportation convention on transport, the transit of
passengers and goods
between Maghreb countries. A convention on the transport of dangerous products
has also been signed
between Maghreb countries classifying products according to an international
nomenclature, and sets
transport conditions and procedures between subject countries.
3.4 Fleet of Vehicles
The national road vehicle fleet includes about 2.5 million units, 73% of which are light
private cars and 26%
are commercial vehicles with nearly 75% older than 10 years.
The regions of the Great Casablanca and Rabat – Zammour Zaer hold more than
52% of the national fleet,
including 46% commercial cars and 55% private cars.
All cars or trailed vehicles must undergo a periodical technical check up. A check up
certificate is then delivered if subject vehicle is considered to be in good operation
condition, that no mechanical defect or abnormal wear can be seen, and that breaks
properly operate, that the vehicle is equipped with legal accessories, and that it
complies with required conditions ensuring traffic safety.
Regarding passengers’ public transport vehicles, periodical check ups will in addition
focus on fulfilling specific prescriptions that are required to ensure the safety of
transported passengers.
Technical check ups are mandatory for:
Trailed vehicles with a loaded weight exceeding 1 ton (check up is annual).
Vehicles designed for public and private collective transportation (check up is
semi-annual).
Vehicles designed for driving lessons (check ups are semi-annual).
Vehicles leased without drivers (check ups are semi-annual).
All other vehicles aged more than 5 years (check ups are annual).
Commercial vehicles with loaded weights exceeding 2 tons (check up is annual).
In Morocco, the check up of road vehicles is carried out by the National Safety control
agents (in urban areas), the Royal Gendarmerie (outside urban areas) and the
Ministry of Equipment and Transport (professional
transport).
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Implementing the 11 Principle of Character Education via workshops
training to spread the culture of good behavior!
The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education explains each of the 11 Principles. It
defines each principle more specifically in terms of two to four items that describe what the
principle should “look like” when implemented. The school community promotes core ethical
and performance values as the foundation of good character.
1. The school community promotes core ethical and performance values as the
foundation of good character.
2. The school defines “character” comprehensively to include thinking, feeling, and
doing.
3. The school uses a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach to character
development.
4. The school creates a caring community.
5. The school provides students with opportunities for moral action.
6. The school offers a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all
learners, develops their character, and helps them to succeed.
7. The school fosters students’ self-motivation.
8. The school staff is an ethical learning community that shares responsibility for
character education and adheres to the same core values that guide the students.
9. The school fosters shared leadership and long-range support of the character education
initiative.
10. The school engages families and community members as partners in the characterbuilding effort.
11. The school regularly assesses its culture and climate, the functioning of its staff as
character educators, and the extent to which its students manifest good character.
BE RESPONSIBLE!
ROAD SAFETY and SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY NEWSLET
Spring Issue 1
Volume 1
Ibnou Al Yassamine High School
Hay Hassani Delegation;Great Casablanca Academy,The Kingdom of Morocco
Educative Project: Tes Idées Tes Initiatives
Editors: 5 Stars
Sponsor: Renault France
Coordinator : Bouchaib Zahawi
Partners: Student Parents' Association / Moroccan Association of Character Education
Contact: yasamineroadsafety@yahoo.fr / thecasaknight@yahoo.fr
Cell phone: 06 59 36 31 30