Representatives from more than 20 of the world’s leading road safety organizations [1] representing rich and poor countries, gathered at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva to embark on a global road safety initiative.
"This is the first gathering of many of the most influential players in the road safety field, from victim associations, foundations, the automobile industry, and ministries of transport and health," said Dr LEE Jong-Wook, Director-General of WHO. "Combining such diverse expertise in road safety and taking action will help to reverse the unnecessary death toll on the world’s roads."
More than 1.2 million people are killed on the road annually. Millions more are injured or disabled. In some low and middle income countries, road crash victims occupy up to 10% of hospital beds.
Deaths from all types of injuries are projected to rise from 5.1 million in 1990 to 8.4 million in 2020 - with road traffic injuries as a major cause for this increase.
Studies suggest that in 2002, some 50% of road traffic fatalities worldwide involved young adults aged 15-44 years, many of whom were primary breadwinners for their families.
Globally estimates suggest that the economic costs of road traffic injuries amount to US$518 billion per year. In developing countries, the costs are estimated to be US$100 billion, twice the annual amount of development assistance to developing countries.
To mitigate this global public health and development crisis, the recent UN report "Global road safety crisis" recommends that countries develop and implement national strategies on road traffic injury prevention and appropriate action plans.
The participants of the WHO conference are preparing a global initiative dedicated to Road Safety, to be launched on World Health Day (7 April 2004). The initiative will include a global report, conferences and discussions in political fora such as the United Nations General Assembly, and other high profile advocacy events.
As part of this effort, the alliance will drive a call for action to implement policies and programmes addressing speed reduction; alcohol consumption; re-enforcing the utilization of seat belts, helmets and child restraints; improving emergency response systems; promoting safe vehicle design; and introducing the implementation of road safety standards.
More information on WHO’s work on World Health Day 2004
