Deadly Herat Accident Highlights Afghanistan’s Ongoing Road Safety Crisis

DID Press: At least 79 people were killed in a fatal traffic accident in western Herat province last night, according to local reports. While full details are yet to be released, the tragedy has once again underscored the deep structural and management flaws within Afghanistan’s road network.

Reckless driving remains a major factor in traffic accidents, but poor road conditions also play a critical role. Insufficient lighting, a lack of warning signs, and inadequate road maintenance have left drivers facing serious safety risks.

Weak oversight and limited driver training further add to the dangers, while the absence of effective emergency response services often increases the death toll. In many regions, crisis management and rescue operations are hampered by shortages of equipment and personnel, compounding the human toll of such incidents.

The accident also points to broader challenges in policymaking and budget allocation for the transport sector. Years of underinvestment in infrastructure and road protection have led to rising human and economic losses. Experts argue that in addition to stronger infrastructure, Afghanistan urgently needs sustained driver education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

The Herat disaster serves as a grim reminder that reducing road accidents requires a multi-pronged approach: modernizing and maintaining roadways, improving driver training, equipping emergency responders, and enforcing safety regulations.

Without such reforms, similar tragedies are likely to continue, leaving families and communities to bear the heavy burden of grief.