The latest report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals a jarring statistic: road accidents have emerged as the leading cause of death among the global population aged between 5 and 29 years. The report, released during the Global Road Safety Week, further estimates that over 1.35 million lives are lost to road accidents each year, while approximately 50 million people sustain injuries.
Key Facts about Road Traffic Injuries
Road traffic injuries rank as the eighth leading cause of deaths globally. Alarmingly, they are the first leading cause of death among children and young adults aged 5-29 years. Several factors contribute to this high mortality rate, including rapid urbanisation, inadequate safety measures, lack of stringent enforcement of traffic laws, influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding and non-compliance with safety regulations such as wearing seat-belts or helmets.
The Indian Scenario
India presents a dismal picture when it comes to road safety. Government data indicates that nearly 150,000 people lose their lives in road crashes each year, making it a pressing public health issue that demands urgent attention and action.
The Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
The prevalence of road traffic deaths could undermine the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.6. This target aims for a 50% reduction in the number of road traffic deaths by 2020, a goal whose realization appears challenging in light of the current realities.
| Age Group | Road Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 5-29 years | First leading cause |
| Total Global Population | Eighth leading cause |
Solutions to Address the Road Safety Crisis
Addressing the road safety crisis calls for strong political resolve and leadership. Governments can make significant strides in enhancing road safety by allocating adequate funding and formulating effective traffic laws. International agencies, like the UN, can spotlight the road safety crisis and ensure that road safety initiatives are woven into broader programmes on child and adolescent health and sustainable mobility. There is also a pivotal role for parents, teachers, students, employees, and volunteers in highlighting specific road hazards and advocating for robust measures to mitigating them.
UN Global Road Safety Week
Celebrated biennially, the fifth edition of the UN Global Road Safety Week took place from May 6 to May 12 in 2019. The event underscored the importance of strong leadership in improving road safety. With its inception dating back to 2007, the United Nations Global Road Safety Week serves as an important reminder of our collective commitment to making road travel safer.
