The UN actively supports efforts to ensure road safety: 94 countries have already received assistance. UN chief calls for urgent action to combat road accidents UN
Every year, 1.2 million people die on the world’s roads, and another 50 million are injured. “These are not just statistics. These are children going to school, parents going to work, people whose lives are upended in an instant,” said the Secretary-General in a statement delivered by Assistant United Nations Chief Naveed Hanif at a high-level event at UN headquarters on Monday.
Road crashes are the eighth leading cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death for children over five and young people. The problem is especially acute in low- and middle-income countries, where 90 percent of all road deaths occur. The most common victims are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children – those who lack access to safe transport and road infrastructure. The Secretary-General stressed that solutions already exist, from improved urban planning and safe public transport to mandatory helmet and seat belt use, speed control and effective emergency protocols. These measures can save thousands of lives. The UN actively supports efforts to ensure road safety: 94 countries have already received assistance. In Brazil, the introduction of speed protocols has reduced deaths, in Rwanda, helmet laws protect motorcyclists every day, and in Laos, a new licensing system improves driver safety. Ahead of the launch of the Decade of Sustainable Transport, the UN is calling for new partnerships in which philanthropic organizations have a key role to play. “Your commitment has helped end polio, tuberculosis, famine and maternal mortality. Now it can change the situation with road safety,” said António Guterres. Road safety, according to the Secretary General, is not only a matter of health, but also of development, urban planning and climate action. “Together we can save millions of lives and give the green light to road safety,” he concluded.