Road Safety: Basic facts

  1. About 1.24 million people globally die each year as a result of road traffic crashes—that’s nearly 3400 deaths a day.
  2. Half of those who die on the world’s roads are vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
  3. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death globally among people aged 15–29 years.
  4. Around the world, almost three times more men than women die from road traffic injuries.
  5. Five key risk factors in road traffic deaths and injuries are: drinking and driving, speeding and failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts and child restraints.
  6. Over 90% of the world’s road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have only about half the world’s vehicles.
  7. Without action, annual road traffic deaths are predicted to increase to around 1.9 million by 2030 and to become the seventh leading cause of death.
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