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Road Safety Project

Overview

The Second Road Safety Project (2019–2024), led by the Ministry of Economic Transformation, advanced Belize’s road safety through key initiatives in post-crash care, driver education, enforcement, and institutional reform. Achievements included nationwide psychological support for crash victims, public awareness campaigns, a new Safe Driving Manual, and the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Framework. Equipment and training were also provided to enhance enforcement capacity. However, the project highlighted the need for a permanent statutory body to lead road safety efforts, improved coordination with the judiciary, and standardized crash data collection. Future priorities include national adoption of the GDL system, formal use of the Safe Driving Manual, stronger judicial collaboration, and a comprehensive traffic incident data framework.

Road Safety Project

Achievements

  • Post-Crash Support: With PAHO’s technical support, nurses and first responders were trained in post-crash care and psychological first aid. A national mental health support framework was established, providing access to psychological services in all districts for victims and families of road traffic incidents.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Extensive outreach was conducted through billboards, TV, radio, and community engagement to promote road safety and available support services.
  • Safe Driving Manual: A comprehensive manual was developed for driver education, covering key driving techniques, hazard awareness, and theory exam preparation—ideal for integration into formal driver training programs
  • Launched youaGraduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Framework: A structured GDL system was developed, aimed at improving the licensing process through phased licensing, mandatory training, and progressive penalties. th management training via IICA, targeting 30 rural youth for PO support roles.
  • Equipment & Training: The Department of Transport received patrol vehicles, radar guns, breathalyzers, and enforcement gear. Public officers received defensive driving and first aid training.

Lessons

  • Need for Institutionalization: Road safety efforts should be centralized through a permanent statutory body rather than time-bound projects to ensure long-term progress and funding.
  • Judicial Alignment: Improved coordination is needed between law enforcement and the judiciary. Inconsistent rulings and lack of traffic law awareness among magistrates hinder enforcement.
  • Driver Licensing Reform: The current informal learning process leads to poor driving habits. A structured training and testing system is essential.
  • Data Deficiency: Lack of standardized, comprehensive crash data collection limits evidence-based decision-making. A national protocol is urgently needed for consistent data gathering at crash scenes.

Plans & Priorities

  • Advocate for the formal adoption and national rollout of the Graduated Driver Licensing system.
  • Institutionalize the Safe Driving Manual as a core resource for driver training and theory testing.
  • Strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and explore the establishment of municipal traffic courts.
  • Design and implement a national traffic incident data collection framework in collaboration with the Police and Ministry of Health.

Recommendations

  • Institutionalize road safety through a permanent statutory body and cross-ministerial support.
  • Adopt the Safe Driving Manual nationwide as a standardized tool for new drivers.
  • Advance the GDL Framework through stakeholder consultations and policy engagement.
  • Enhance traffic incident data systems for quality, consistency, and use in decision-making.

Road Safety Projects

Partners