TRAFFIC SAFETY: AN ASSESSMENT OF MOBILITY CONDITIONS AROUND MOZAMBICAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze road safety in school surroundings in Mozambique, focusing on the risk of traffic crashes and the vulnerability of children and adolescents in these environments. Specifically, it sought to characterize road infrastructure conditions, assess the availability and quality of traffic signage in school zones, and compare safety levels across different geographical contexts. The study was guided by the following research question: how do infrastructure and traffic signage conditions in school surroundings vary across different geographical contexts, and how do they affect the safety of children and adolescents? To address this question, observations were conducted in 60 schools across three geographical regions in the cities of Maputo and Matola, using the PICCE-TRAN instrument. The results showed that the majority of urban (over 65%), peri-urban (82%), and rural (100%) schools lacked pedestrian crossings. Additionally, most urban schools (85%) and all peri-urban and rural schools did not have traffic lights for pedestrians or vehicles. Although most sidewalks in urban schools were paved (86%), a significant proportion showed cracks and deterioration (50%). Unlike studies conducted in Brazil, where speed limits around schools vary, in Mozambique a standardized limit of 30 km/h was observed across all schools. Statistical analysis further revealed that the lack of signage in peri-urban and rural areas, where most of the population of the studied cities resides, is significantly associated with the geographical location of schools, increasing the risk of traffic crashes involving students. In summary, the road environment surrounding Mozambican schools is inadequate to ensure safe mobility, exposing children and adolescents to high traffic-related risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for structural and management measures to improve road safety in school zones across the country.