Safe Roads Matter

Road traffic crashes are a global health epidemic. Despite some positive achievements over the last decade, and a general stabilisation in the numbers of road deaths when considered against the increasing global population and rapid motorisation trends over the same period, there is still a very long way to go and much to be done to reach the global targets.
This policy guide provides some background and context on the problem and who is at risk. It sets the scene for establishing strong foundations for road safety action and examples of practical solutions and actions that can be taken now if we are to save lives and prevent injury.
Everyone should find the guidance useful – but it specifically targets policy-makers and key decision-takers in lower income countries where the risk of a road traffic death is more than three times higher than in high-income countries. Here too, it is the vulnerable road users – pedestrians, particularly children and young people, cyclists and motorcyclists who are exposed to the highest risk from road travel.
Safer roads are possible. It starts with raising awareness of the issues, increasing demand for solutions and securing the commitment of action from the political leadership. The development of a national road safety strategy provides a good foundation and framework against which commitment and progress can be made. Budgeted action plans, based on good data and evidence and outlining targets to be achieved, can provide the basic roadmap for investment in safer roads.
A wealth of resources exist that provide guidance on good practice and many sources are referred to in this policy guide.
There is no shortage of possible solutions as this guide demonstrates, but there needs to be a collective will and committment from those responsible for the system such as politicians, vehicle manufacturers, road authorities, educationalists and hospitals, along with a sense of shared responsibility from road users and civil society.
Every life matters!