Diana region equips animal-drawn carts with reflectors to improve road safety

The Diana region in Madagascar equipped animal-drawn carts with reflective strips to reduce traffic accidents and protect the RN6 national road.

Regional officials launched a campaign to improve visibility for carts that transport people and goods. Before the project, no carts in the area had reflectors, creating a hazard for motorists who might struggle with drowsiness at night. Officials provided reflective strips for the front, back, and sides of the vehicles to help drivers see them more clearly.

The initiative also aims to preserve the asphalt on the RN6. Authorities encouraged cart owners to cover their metal wheels with motorcycle tires to prevent direct contact with the road surface. This measure helps stop the metal wheels from damaging the pavement. Local residents and cart owners joined the initiative and began applying the reflectors. Craftsmen have set up shops to manufacture the tire covers, which require four motorcycle tires each.

While many carts in the local markets now follow these rules, some carts coming from western areas still use exposed metal wheels and must stop at the town entrance to receive the proper tire covers.