Despite a slight decrease in the number of road crash incidents from 1.25 million in 2010 to 1.19 million in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that road crashes continue to pose a significant global health crisis.
The recently released 2023 global status report on road safety by WHO highlights that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among children and youth aged 5 to 29 years. Shockingly, more than two deaths occur per minute, resulting in over 3,200 fatalities per day.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the persisting high number of road crash deaths, stating, “The tragic tally of road crash deaths is heading in the right direction, downwards, but nowhere near fast enough. The carnage on our roads is preventable. We call on all countries to put people rather than cars at the center of their transport systems, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.”
The report further reveals that 28 percent of global road traffic deaths occur in the South-East Asia Region, followed by 25 percent in the Western Pacific Region, 19 percent in the African Region, 12 percent in the Region of the Americas, 11 percent in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and 5 percent in the European Region.
However, there is some positive news. Out of the 193 United Nations member states, 108 countries reported a decline in road traffic-related deaths between 2010 and 2021, as per the WHO report.
Ten countries stand out for their remarkable achievement in reducing road traffic deaths by over 50 percent. These countries include Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Denmark, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Research indicates that a staggering 80 percent of the world’s roads fail to meet pedestrian safety standards, leaving pedestrians dangerously exposed. Additionally, only 0.2 percent of roads have designated cycle lanes, further endangering cyclists.
WHO’s report sheds light on the lack of progress in advancing laws and safety standards. It underscores the urgent need for countries to prioritize road safety and implement measures that protect all road users.
It is crucial for governments to invest in infrastructure that caters to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. This includes the creation of well-designed pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes, and improved road signage. Implementing and enforcing stricter traffic regulations, such as speed limits and seatbelt usage, can also significantly reduce the number of road crash incidents.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns about responsible driving, the dangers of drunk driving, and the importance of wearing seatbelts and helmets can contribute to changing attitudes and behaviors on the road.
Addressing road crash incidents requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. By working together, we can make significant strides in reducing road crash fatalities and creating safer roads for everyone.
Source: The Manila Times
