The UN has kicked off its week of action on road safety.

It is drawing attention to the ‘desperate need’ for governments and their partners to rethink – and redo – mobility.

This part of a decade of action organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This week’s events aims to highlight ‘concrete and specific actions’ .  Different stakeholders are being encouraged to promote and facilitate a shift to green and sustainable modes of transport.

The world on wheels

Road traffic injures are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

Around 1.3 million people are killed, and as many as 50 million people injured each year. For those  aged 5-29 years, there is no greater threat to their lives.

Globally, 1 of every 4 deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists.

The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 reflects an ambitious target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. These casualties can be prevented by addressing the whole of the transport system. This includes taking action to ensure safe roads, vehicles and behaviours, as well as improving emergency care.

WHO, in collaboration with partners, organises periodic UN Global Road Safety Weeks.

This 7th edition is looking, in particular, to shift to rod users to walking, cycling and using public transport. Road safety is both a prerequisite for and an outcome of this shift.

Getting involved

WHO is inviting all road safety and sustainable mobility partners to mark the week by organising events and activities and sharing messages and materials on social media with the hashtags:

  • #RethinkMobility
  • #StreetsforLife
  • #RoadSafety

The key messages are:

  • There is a desperate need for governments and their partners to rethink mobility
  • Safety must be at the core of efforts to reimagine how we move in the world
  • To ensure safety, road networks must be designed with the most at risk in mind
  • When safe, walking and cycling can contribute to making people healthy, cities sustainable, and societies equitable
  • Safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable public transport is a solution for many of societies’ ills

Materials and resources are available via the WHO website.

Making an difference

James Gibson, executive director of Road Safety GB, supports the aims and work of WHO.

“Global Road Safety Week highlights the shocking impact of traffic collisions across the world.

“The UK is recognised around the globe as having particular expertise with regard to road safety. We have one of the world’s best road safety records but there is still more to do here in the UK and of course more we can share with others as we work towards safe mobility for everyone.”