Road traffic accidents cause 1.2 million deaths each year, 90 percent of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. As the developing world continues to urbanize and motorize at an unprecedented pace, it is becoming increasingly vital to improve road safety around the globe. In recognition of the first United Nations Global Road Safety Week (23-29 April 2007), the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a new report, Youth and Road Safety, which describes the current problem and offers potential solutions.
Road Safety around the World
In high-income countries, most of those killed or injured in road accidents are drivers or passengers of four-wheeled vehicles, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 24. On the other hand, those at risk in developing countries are the so-called "vulnerable road users," including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and users of public transportation, often between the ages of 5 and 25. This is because in many low-income countries, vulnerable road users have been marginalized during urban planning decisions and are often forced to share road space with motorized vehicles. This problem is particularly acute in Africa and the Middle East, where the greatest number of traffic-related deaths are reported.
Road Traffic Mortality Rates (<25 years old), 2002
Source: World Health Organization, 2007
Youth and Road Safety
Despite the many differences between high- and low-income countries, one trend is clear around the world: young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are at the greatest risk in every country. Furthermore, the WHO report finds many of these crashes are predictable and preventable. Reducing the number of youth-related road accidents requires assessing the different factors influencing risk:
- Factors influencing exposure to risk, such as lack of proper infrastructure or speed limits.
- Factors influencing crash involvement, such as speeding, alcohol use, or age.
- Factors influencing crash severity, such as use of helmets or seatbelts.
- Factors influencing post crash outcome, such as the response time of rescuers.
Injuries and Fatilities among Road Users in Selected Countries (<25 years old)
Source: World Health Organization, 2007
Improving Road Safety
The incentive to improve road safety is high, especially in the developing world, where road accidents are estimated to cost between US$65 and $100 billion each year (more than the total amount received in official development aid). Youth and Road Safety highlights a number of simple measures that have successfully reduced the number road accidents in various countries around the world:
- lowering speed limits;
- cracking down on drunk driving;
- enforcing seatbelt use;
- mandating motorcycle helmets; and
- creating safe areas for children to play.
Another important measure will be to improve road infrastructure to take into account the diverse needs of different road users groups. Such changes will require investment, time, and involvement of vulnerable road users in urban planning decisions.
RELATED LINKS:
World Youth Assembly for Road Safety
Second Global Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum (25 April 2007)
World Bank Transportation Website
EarthTrends
December 2006 Monthly Update: Sustainable Transport in the Developing World
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Transportation
Transportation Data Table: Selected City-Level Indicators (pdf)
