Despite a rapid increase in motorization over the past 20 years, the number of people killed in road crashes in the Republic of Moldova has decreased by 51% from 2011 to 2022, from 443 to 217. With 8.3 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, this is, however, still 1,8 times higher than the average in the European Union, states the newly released United Nations Road Safety Performance Review of Moldova.
Inappropriate speed (with regard to visibility, road conditions, traffic situations, and speed limits) is the biggest problem, involved in 31.5% of cases of injuries, and 47% of cases of deaths in road crashes.
Vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, children and people with disabilities, are particularly at risk in Moldova, representing 50% of fatalities (pedestrians alone represent 36%).
"In the past decade, despite Moldova’s long-term commitment to improving road safety, the situation remains challenging, with a significant number of fatalities occurring on the roads, demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced measures", said UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean. "Inappropriate speed continues to be a major concern and calls for increased prevention measures and law enforcement. This review contains 75 recommendations to help the country achieve a systemic improvement of the national road safety system, with a focus on the most vulnerable road users".
The Review, requested by the Government of Moldova, was conducted by UNECE in partnership with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) in Moldova. It provides a detailed assessment of the road safety system in the country, including the level of compliance with United Nations road safety legal instruments, and pinpoints concrete recommendations to save lives.
Worldwide, 1.19 million people are killed every year in road crashes, and road traffic deaths and injuries remain a major global health and development challenge.
In Moldova, most passenger travel and freight transport occur by road. Road infrastructure projects aimed at further increasing the mobility and movement of people and goods must, therefore, include road safety as a priority.
The country’s vehicle fleet comprises mostly of passenger cars (63%) and trucks (18%), with more than half being older than 15 years.
Better regulating and managing speed
While speed limits on urban roads correspond with European Union best practice and the Safe System Approach, maximum speed limits on rural roads are still too high. Enforcement of existing speed limits is also a critical issue.
Improving Road Safety Management
Moldova needs to better coordinate activities undertaken by key road safety stakeholders and strengthen their capacity to re-establish/empower the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) as the leading body for road safety management.
The NRSC needs to be able to provide strategic direction and monitor road safety results, setting specific and measurable targets within the national road safety strategy and action plan, and enabling stable and sustainable funding sources for road safety. RSM can also be supported through the use of education, technology and strengthened enforcement, including public awareness campaigns, with Key Performance Indictors (KPIs) introduced to measure effectiveness.
Improving legal frameworks and standards
Moldova is invited to fully transpose into national legislation the prescriptions of the UN ( 1958 Agreement, 1997 Agreement, European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), AETR Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport) and European Union regulatory frameworks (EU Regulations 2018/858, 168/2013, 167/2013, 165/2014 and EU Directives 2014/45, 2014/47); which will contribute to advancing towards acquis Communautaire (Chapter 14). UNECE has launched a project to support the implementation of the 1958 Agreement by improving the national type approval system.
Other recommendations include increased usage of Road Infrastructure Safety Management (RISM) tools and strengthened legislation around Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and tunnel safety. Attention should also be given to updating the safe road and street design and the functional hierarchy of the road network; strengthening the capacity of local authorities in road safety; and increasing the offer and use of public transport and active travel in urban areas.
Influencing road users’ behaviour
The following initiatives are recommended: revise legislation and sanctions for non-use of safety belts and child restraints; differentiate the permissible level of blood alcohol content (BAC) depending on the experience of the driver or the type of vehicle; improve occupational road safety by introducing mandatory road safety policies for all car fleets at a national level; improve national policies to inter-connect with the norms, standards, and needs of persons with disabilities or low mobility.
Special attention may be given to behaviour change campaigns for all road users, involving a sustainable nation-wide collaboration between civic, state and private sectors to raise awareness on road safety, with monitoring and evaluation of the impact.
Improving Post-Crash Care
The following key measures are proposed: implement a mechanism for direct investment in road safety by insurance companies; implement an incentive mechanism for employers regarding the employment of people who have been permanently injured by road traffic crashes; and create centres and programs for the rehabilitation of road traffic victims.
In addition, training is needed for police officers in providing of first aid, as well as first aid training for drivers. Technology should also be used to support post-crash care through the use of a unique emergency telephone number (112), modernisation of ambulance fleets, and equipment for police crews that include first aid bags, etc.