The main purpose of this paper is to review successes and failures of aid funded initiatives in assisting countries to implement road safety projects. As developing countries experience rapid motorisation, problems of road safety are becoming more evident as a health issue. Projects were carried out by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Some of these experienced delays or problems, often caused by lack of co-ordination or inadequate resources. Sustainable road safety projects require governmental involvement and should build up local capabilities systematically by the use of an action plan. Infrastructure improvements and traffic system management should include a road safety element. Activities must be harmonised to achieve maximum impact and engender an effective safety culture.
Abstract