Preventing Car Accidents through Digital Simulations: Lessons from a Serious Game Prototype in Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Road traffic accidents remain a critical public health challenge in Rwanda, with urban centers like Kigali experiencing disproportionately high rates of collisions due to rapid urbanization and risky driving behaviors. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a serious game prototype designed to enhance road safety awareness through immersive, scenario-based learning. Developed using Unity 3D and incorporating authentic Kigali traffic environments, the game simulates ten high-risk driving situations identified in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police. A mixed-methods evaluation with 64 participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in traffic rule comprehension, with average test scores increasing from 65.2% to 73.4% post-intervention. Notably, the intervention proved particularly effective among young drivers (18-25 years), who showed a 12.1% performance gain, and successfully eliminated gender disparities in safety knowledge observed during pre-testing. Qualitative findings revealed enhanced emotional engagement and behavioral intention changes, with 74% of participants reporting increased hazard perception in real-world driving contexts. The study provides empirical evidence supporting serious games as cost-effective, scalable tools for road safety education in low-resource settings, while highlighting the importance of cultural localization in digital interventions. These results offer actionable insights for policymakers seeking to complement traditional awareness campaigns with innovative technological solutions aligned with Rwanda's Vision Zero objectives.