Each year, 1.3 million people died in traffic accidents and Another 50 million people were injuredhe said, make this leading cause of death for children and adolescents.
The speech of the head of the United Nations was given in message tick World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victimsobserved annually on 20 November.
“One of the best ways to remember and honor the victims is Do your part to make the roads safer around the world,” he said.
Grow in danger
The Secretary-General also pointed out how road traffic accidents are linked to development.
Nine out of 10 victims are in low- and middle-income countries.
“Saved more lives than required Guaranteed more funding for safe and sustainable mobility, society-wide action plans and a robust prevention approach,” said Mr. Guterres.
“The United Nations Road Safety Convention and Fund help countries strengthen their national systems and infrastructure. I call on Member States and donors to support these efforts and prevent further tragedies.”
Save a child’s life
Meanwhile, a global campaign backed by the United Nations aims to prevent more boys and girls from dying in traffic accidents.
According to statistics, one person dies on the road every 24 seconds worldwide, while 500 children die on the road globally every 24 hours. UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), announced the second version of the #moments2live4 campaign.
It was launched on Sunday, also marked World Children’s Day outside of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Poorer countries are affected
UNRSF is a global partner working to halve road deaths and injuries in low- and middle-income countries, where 93% of fatal crashes occur each year. .
The Foundation has worked towards the adoption of safer vehicle regulations across the region in West Africa, as well as pedestrian and cyclist safety initiatives, among the other activities.
The #moments2live4 campaign seeks to raise awareness about global road safety crisiswhich is hitting children over 5 the most, and to support the Fund’s additional $40 million goal.
Awareness and Empowerment
Nneka Henry, UNRSF Head, emphasized that awareness is the first step to solving the global road safety challenge.
“Billions of everyday road users, thousands of corporations and more than 100 governments are now sitting on the sidelines, largely unaware of the far-reaching dangers to easy road users. hurt most – our children. This campaign aims to empower people with knowledge on how to help keep kids safe on the road,” she said.
The #moments2live4 global campaign will feature supporters ranging from race car drivers, entertainers, world-class athletes and leaders from United Nations agencies.
It will run for 10 weeks and end on International Education Dayon January 24.
