Road traffic deaths hit 1.35 M annually

MANILA, Philippines — Road traffic deaths continue to rise, reaching 1.35 million fatalities annually, according to the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO).

Children and young people aged five to 29 are now the main victims of road traffic accidents, according to WHO.

Globally, of all road traffic deaths, pedestrians and cyclists account for 26 percent and motorcycle riders and passengers make up 28 percent.

The risk of a road traffic death remains three times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries, with rates highest in Africa (26.6 per 100,000 population) and lowest in Europe (9.3 per 100,000 population).

“Road traffic deaths and injuries are an unacceptable price to pay for mobility,” said WHO director Etienne Krug. “There is no excuse for inaction. This is a problem with proven solutions. Governments and their partners must demonstrate leadership and accelerate action to save lives by implementing what works,” Krug said.

In settings where progress has been made, WHO cited strong leadership around legislation on key risks such as speeding, drinking and driving, and failing to use seat-belts, motorcycle helmets and child restraints; safer infrastructure like sidewalks and dedicated lanes for cyclists and motorcyclists; improved vehicle standards such as those that mandate electronic stability control and advanced braking; and enhanced post-crash care.

In the context of the Fifth UN Global Road Safety Week from May 6 to 12, thousands of road safety advocates from around the world highlighted the need for more effective leadership for road safety. “WHO’s vision is a world free from road traffic deaths and injuries,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“It’s also a world in which all people benefit from universal health coverage, including trauma care, rehabilitation and psychological support for road traffic victims. This week and every week, play your part in making the roads safe for everyone. A safer road for others is a safer road for you,” he said.