Los Angeles, California – Every year, approximately 1.19 million people worldwide lose their lives due to road traffic crashes. These incidents not only result in devastating loss of life but also significant non-fatal injuries, with millions more individuals suffering disabilities as a result. The economic impact of road traffic injuries is felt on both individual and national levels, with the cost of treatment, lost productivity, and caregiving responsibilities affecting families and countries as a whole.
Road traffic crashes are a global issue, with 92% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries, despite these nations having only 60% of the world’s vehicles. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists account for more than half of all road traffic deaths. The United Nations General Assembly has set a goal to reduce the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030.
In addition to vulnerable road users, certain risk factors contribute to the prevalence and severity of road traffic crashes. Factors such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving all play a significant role in the likelihood of crashes occurring. Safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and safe road users are crucial components of the safe system approach to road safety, aiming to eliminate fatal crashes and reduce serious injuries.
Efforts to prevent road traffic injuries must involve a collaborative approach that includes multiple sectors such as transportation, law enforcement, healthcare, and education. Governments play a vital role in implementing interventions that address the safety of roads, vehicles, and all road users. Designing safer infrastructure, improving vehicle safety features, enforcing key traffic laws, and raising public awareness are all essential components of effective road safety measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively engaged in supporting Member States and partners in global road safety initiatives. As the lead agency for road safety in the United Nations, WHO advocates for road safety at a global level and coordinates efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030. Through collaborations with various partners and initiatives like the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, WHO is working to improve road safety standards and save lives on the world’s roads.