UN calls for greater road safety

(November 21, 2011) With over 3000 people dying in road accidents every year, the United Nations chief has called the loss of life an unacceptable price to pay for mobility. In a message for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed on November 20, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that each day nearly 3,500 people die on the roads and tens of thousands more are injured, breaking families apart and dashing the future of young people. Road accidents have become the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29, he said, adding, “this is an unacceptable price to pay for mobility.” The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which began in May this year, has the goal of saving 5 million lives. A global plan for the decade focuses on the big risks, including speeding, drinking and driving, inattention while using mobile devices, and failing to use seat-belts, helmets and child restraints. The global plan also encompasses care for victims, including their rescue, treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Globally, vehicle ownership is forecast to double by 2020. Given this rapid expansion of vehicle use, especially in the world's emerging economies, capacity-building for road safety is crucial. The UN Secretary-General urged all to mobilize all possible contributions to improving road safety — from city planners to vehicle designers, from policymakers to road users. “Let us honour those who have lost their lives on the world’s roads by acting to save the lives of others,” he said.