Rapid urbanisation adds a strain to the already overburdened transport systems and the provision of safe infrastructure and transport services is lacking behind. Around the world, road traffic injuries cause 1.35 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries each year. Especially for young people road crashes are one of the leading causes of fatalities in our times.
To date, transport investments are often focused on large infrastructure for private cars, while investments in walking and cycling or the modernization of public transport have been slow particularly in low- and middleincome countries, although non-motorised transport accounts for the majority of trips in these countries. Besides the human tragedy, the economic implications of road safety are severe as well. Traffic-related mortality and injury cost the global economy around $518 billion each year.
UN-Habitat wants to encourage you to join the Road Safety Week and contribute to the global efforts on creating safe and inclusive cities. Join the conversation and sign the Open Letter to policymakers to commit to act for low speed streets worldwide at Urban Road Safety Week.
Share