This paper briefly reviews the extent of the pedestrian safety problem in developing countries. The paper compares it to the situation in developed countries. In general, pedestrian fatalities comprise about 10-20% of all road fatalities in developed countries. The figure normally constitutes between 30-50% of all road fatalities in developing countries. The reasons for the higher incidence of pedestrian casualties in developing countries are discussed. The paper gives a brief overview of the South African manual on pedestrian facilities. This manual is based on a comprehensive research programme conducted over a ten-year period. Guidelines combined in the manual cater for the needs of cities, villages, and rural communities. It is concluded that the use of engineering measures included in the manual can make a major contribution to providing a safer road environment for pedestrians in developing countries.
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