Global Road Safety - a public health emergency
by
IT Development
The death toll on roads around the world is far too high. Every six seconds someone is killed or seriously injured on the roads yet this problem can be tackled. Action needs to be taken at an international level to ensure that our roads are made safer. The problem is particularly acute in developing countries where aid budgets are being spent on road construction but safety concerns are not being addressed.
Global Road Safety Fact File
• At least 1.2 million people worldwide are estimated to be killed each year on the roads – more than 3000 people every day;
• 50 million people worldwide are estimated to be injured in road crashes each year;
• The global financial cost of road traffic injuries is estimated at US$ 518 billion each year;
• The cost to low and middle income countries is estimated at between US$ 65 – 100 billion, equivalent to all incoming development aid.
• Road crashes are the leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24;
• By 2020, unless action is taken, road traffic injuries are predicted to rise overall by about 65%;
• Low and middle income countries account for more than 85% of global deaths from road traffic crashes, and 96% of child deaths;
• 44% of all road deaths occur in the Asia/Pacific region, despite a 16% share of global vehicles;
• At least 440,000 people are estimated to be killed and 30 million injured each year on Asian roads – including the Asian Highway;
• By 2020 the UN estimates that two thirds of the world’s road deaths may occur on Asian roads, due to rapid motorisation;
• In most developing countries vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicycle and motor cycle riders account for the majority of fatalities.
Sources: WHO, World Bank, UNESCAP, ITF.
Downloads
Languages
This article is available in the following languages: -
English