421 Comprehensive road safety strategy for Tunisia: a framework for sustainable transportation (2023–2034)

Background The road safety situation in Tunisia has become a critical concern, marked by increasing fatalities and severe injuries. Building on the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety, the Regional Strategic Action Framework for Road Safety and the Global Status Report for Road Safety, the Tunisian Government wanted to develop a comprehensive long-term road safety strategy. Objective The aim of the policy analysis was to inform a dynamic new road safety strategy for Tunisia. It was vital that the analysis reflected on previous studies and captured a wide range of perspectives reflective of the multisectoral approach that has been evident in Tunisia over recent years. Policy Analysis Employing a multidimensional analytical framework, reflecting the approach outlined in 'Documenting Road Safety, A guide for governments and lead agencies', the policy analysis sought to triangulate findings within the literature (scientific, grey literature and current policy papers), in-depth interviews with key informants (from government ministries and civil society) and epidemiological data. The analysis explores the current alignment of institutional structures, legislative provisions and priority actions against those within the international literature, identifying the gaps in current practice needing to be addressed by the strategy. Through extensive consultation in stakeholder workshops, the analysis was validated and findings extrapolated to create specific commitments and recommendations, central to the new strategy. Policy Implications The resultant analysis was used to formulate a draft framework for action, emphasizing priority action areas such as improvements to infrastructure and the vehicle fleet, enforcement mechanisms, new technologies and enhanced post-collision response. Through collaboration with the WHO, around 40 national stakeholders, academics and international experts, the new strategy secures high-level commitment to injury prevention policy across government ministries and civil society. The study highlights the necessity of resource allocation, interagency coordination, capacity building and sustained political commitment to realize the envisaged safety objectives. Conclusions The policy analysis has played a vital role in bringing together significant contributors, both domestic and international, to support the development of a new road safety strategy for Tunisia, The study's outcomes signify a substantial step towards enhancing injury prevention and road safety, contributing to a safer transportation in Tunisia.