Road crashes are a major public health problem that kills about 1.3 million people and injures up to 50 million more every year. They also cause huge economic losses and environmental damage. But they are not inevitable. They can be prevented and reduced by taking effective actions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road safety is a holistic issue that requires the involvement of multiple sectors and stakeholders. The WHO has developed a technical package called Save LIVES, which provides evidence-based measures to address the main risk factors for road crashes. These include:
- Speed management: Reducing speed limits and enforcing them can lower the likelihood and severity of crashes. For example, every 1% increase in mean speed produces a 4% increase in the fatal crash risk.
- Leadership: Having strong political commitment and coordination at the national and local levels can ensure the implementation and evaluation of road safety policies and plans.
- Infrastructure design and improvement: Designing roads and transport systems that are safe for all users, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, can prevent crashes and injuries. This includes providing footpaths, cycling lanes, safe crossing points, and other traffic calming measures.
- Vehicle safety standards: Applying UN regulations on vehicle safety to the production and import of vehicles can enhance their safety features and performance. This includes requiring front and side impact protection, electronic stability control, airbags, and seat-belts for all vehicles.
- Enforcement of traffic laws: Setting and enforcing laws that address the key behavioural risk factors, such as drink-driving, speeding, non-use of helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints, and distraction by mobile phones, can deter unsafe behaviours and save lives.
- Post-crash survival: Improving the access and quality of prehospital and hospital care for the injured can reduce the death and disability rates. This includes providing timely emergency services, trained personnel, and adequate equipment and facilities.
The WHO also coordinates and supports the global efforts to improve road safety, such as the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to prevent at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The WHO also publishes the Global status report on road safety, which monitors the progress of countries in implementing the road safety measures.
Road safety is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration and participation of all sectors and stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector, media, and the public. By following the WHO’s recommendations and best practices, we can make our roads safer and save millions of lives by 2030.
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