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Morocco launches summer road safety plan to curb rising fatalities
Moroccan authorities have introduced an urgent road safety strategy to tackle the alarming rise in traffic fatalities, particularly during the busy summer season. The initiative, led by the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), aims to reduce accidents through stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and improved infrastructure monitoring.
Surge in traffic deaths raises alarm
The latest statistics reveal a troubling trend. In 2024, road accidents claimed 4,024 lives—a 5.37% increase compared to the previous year. Serious injuries surpassed 10,000 cases, while accidents involving bodily harm exceeded 143,000. The first half of 2025 has seen an even steeper rise: 1,624 deaths between January and May, a 20.9% increase year-on-year, with severe injuries jumping by over 21%.
Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable, collectively accounting for 70% of fatalities. Pedestrians represent over a quarter of the deaths, while motorcyclists contribute nearly half.
Enhanced enforcement and monitoring
The summer plan prioritizes on-the-ground enforcement. Authorities will deploy portable, fixed, and autonomous radars to monitor high-risk roads. Public transport vehicles will be inspected at departure points and in tourist-heavy areas. Emergency response teams have been stationed in accident-prone zones to minimize delays and mitigate the consequences of crashes.
A specialized summer operations committee will oversee daily activities, updating risk maps based on the latest accident data. New regulations include stricter enforcement of fines for traffic violations, preventing vehicle ownership transfers until fines are cleared. Motorcycles exceeding 50cc will undergo mandatory technical inspections to address the high rate of two-wheeler accidents.
Urban centers will also see wider use of smart surveillance cameras capable of detecting violations automatically. Public prosecutors have been instructed to enforce harsher penalties for reckless driving.
Community engagement and education
NARSA plans extensive outreach efforts to foster a culture of road safety. Awareness campaigns will be launched at ports, bus stations, public spaces, and markets. Eight cities will host “Road Safety Villages,” featuring accident simulations, interactive workshops, and activities designed for children and teenagers.
The initiative also includes live demonstrations and community events aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility among road users. These efforts are part of a broader strategy focusing on prevention, control, discipline, and public participation.
A long-term vision for safer roads
While the summer safety plan addresses immediate risks, its broader objective is to transform road behavior and reduce preventable fatalities. Authorities will continuously measure the plan’s impact, using real-time data to inform future safety strategies.
By combining enforcement with education, Moroccan officials aim to create safer roads and reverse the country’s rising toll of traffic-related tragedies.
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