Morocco’s urban road safety problem

Morocco’s road safety problem is increasing, according to the latest official data available. In 2014, the number of road deaths recorded in Moroccan cities increased by 6.25% and hit 1,275. Meanwhile the total number of crashes increased by 3.12% to 51,130. In Casablanca alone there were 212 road deaths. The authorities acknowledge that many of these crashes are the result of drivers ignoring the rules of the road and posted speed limits. Overall however, the number of road deaths declined by 15% in 2014, due to improved road safety levels outside of cities. But the current situation remains critical, as around 10 people die every day, with traffic crashes costing around 2% of GDP and impacting negatively on the country’s growing economy.