Description:
People have to work so as to get the means to enable them to live a meaningful life. Central to this human action for survival there is movement from place to place and most frequently than not such movement uses the road. Motorized and non-motorized vehicles use the road to transport people and their goods. However, this so dependable road is increasingly becoming unsafe to use. The vehicles that ply along roads are more and more involved in accidents that cost many innocent lives. In Tanzania, traffic accidents are on the increase and the lives of road users are endangered. To project some sense of the impact of such accidents in Tanzania, the paper looks into some available key statistics that help to portray a meaningful picture concerning the growing impact of road traffic accidents in the country. Towards the end, the paper attempts to relate the frequent occurrence of fatal road traffic accidents with peoples’ sufferings and the possible perpetuation of poor health, unfavorable living conditions and poverty among the victims, their relatives and the nation at large. In this way the growth of the national economy is also retarded. The paper ends by emphasizing the need for concerted and in-depth research into the possible causes of road traffic accidents in the country Hence, among other things, the paper’s special contribution is on emphasizing the need for proper knowledge on the place, essence and meaningful use of road traffic signs. This knowledge is not comprehensive within the Tanzanian community. Proper road sign interpretation and correct instantaneous response to road sign communication is essential for serving lives and property.
Due emphasis is thus directed towards proper design and installation of relevant and meaningful traffic signs that is to be followed by scientific and comprehensive public education. Public education needs to be centered on the meaningful understanding of road traffic signs and proper use of the roads and the vehicles that ply along them.