Global scenario on Road Safety
1.35 million people die every year in road traffic accidents, making road traffic injuries the 8th leading cause and the only unnatural cause of death on the top 10 list.
Leading causes of deaths (all ages)
| Rank | Cause | % of total deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ischaemic heart disease | 16.6 |
| 2 | Stroke | 10.2 |
| 3 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 5.4 |
| 4 | Lower respiratory infections | 5.2 |
| 5 | Alzheimer's disease and other dementias | 3.5 |
| 6 | Trachea, bronchus, lung cancers | 3.0 |
| 7 | Diabetes Mellitus | 2.8 |
| 8 | Road traffic injuries | 2.5 |
| 9 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 2.4 |
| 10 | Tuberculosis | 2.3 |
2016 WHO Global Health Estimates
1st Decade of Action for Road Safety
The Decade of Action for Traffic Safety (2011-2020) was launched in May 2011, when governments around the world committed to taking new measures to prevent traffic accidents, which, at the time, killed around 1.35 million people a year.
5 pillars for carrying out local & national activities
- Road safety management
- Safer roads and mobility
- Safer vehicles
- Safer users
- Trauma care
Decade of action for road safety 2011-2020
2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety
In order to seek the traffic fatalities reduction, it is recommended to consider the guidelines and the main measures according to the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030), by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Reduce by 50% the traffic accidents fatalities and injured by 2030
The 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 offers an opportunity to build on the successes and previous years lessons and use them to save lives on the world's roads facilitating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Main measures:
- Structuring and collecting data
- Data analysis and reduction opportunity
- Definition of fatalities reduction goals
- Definition of clear and effective actions
- Implementation of a management system and routine for the control of results
- Victims' prevention though management, engineering, education and legislation actions
Some guidelines from the 2021/2030 Statement:
“The vast majority of road traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable and that, despite some improvements in many countries, including developing countries, they remain a major public health and development problem that has far-reaching consequences social and economic”, highlights the UN publication.
Attention to Risk Factors:
- Use of seat belts
- Use of child restraint systems
- Wearing helmets
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
Also highlights:
- Low visibility
- Fatigue
- Medical conditions & medications that affect safe driving
- Useof narcotics & psychotropic & psychoactive substances
- Cell phones & other electronic & text messaging devices
STATEMENT 2021/2030 – Encourages Member States to ensure political commitment and accountability at the highest level to improve road safety and to develop and implement road safety strategies and plans; to also ensure the safety and protection of all road users through a safer road infrastructure, taking into account the needs of motorized and non-motorized transport and other vulnerable road users, especially on high-risk roads with high rates of...
Read MoreUN Sustainable Development Goals
These are the Sustainable Development Goals focussed on road safety.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of globaldeaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of globaldeaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of globaldeaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of globaldeaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
3.6 By 2020, halve the number of globaldeaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
