The Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF) has warned that the surge in fatal road accidents across Malawi signals a serious breakdown in the country’s road safety management systems.

ROSAF Executive Director Joel Jere said in an interview that the trend has now become “a national public health and development crisis” as lives continue to be lost almost daily on the country’s roads.

“We are witnessing an alarming increase in road crashes that are claiming many lives, particularly among young and economically active people,” said Jere. “This is no longer an isolated issue — it’s a national tragedy that demands urgent and coordinated action.”

Recent accidents have claimed lives in Thyolo, Dedza, and Mzimba districts, among others. Jere said the situation is being fueled by a combination of factors, including reckless driving, speeding, and untrained motorcycle taxi operators.

He further attributed the problem to poor road infrastructure, inadequate signage, weak enforcement of traffic laws, and alcohol and substance abuse, which he said are putting both motorists and pedestrians at high risk.

“Low public awareness and slow behavior change among road users are worsening the situation. Many drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians lack basic road safety knowledge,” Jere added.

To reverse the trend, ROSAF is calling for stronger enforcement and regulation of road traffic laws, joint operations between the Malawi Police Service, the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services, and local councils, as well as the integration of road safety audits in all new road projects.

“We need a whole-of-society approach,” said Jere. “Government, the private sector, and communities must all take responsibility if we are to make Malawi’s roads safer.”

Meanwhile, Deputy National Police Spokesperson Alfred Chinthere said police are compiling a consolidated report on road accidents, which will be released in the coming days.

“The statistics are not consolidated yet...our Traffic department could produce their report in the next few days,” Chinthere said.