BRASILIA, BRAZIL (November 19, 2015)– The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Declaration from the Second Global High-level Conference on Road Safety: Time for Results. The Declaration recommends a set of actions to improve road safety through stronger management, legislation and enforcement. WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is a member of the United Nations Global Road Safety Collaboration and has provided expertise on the connection of sustainable mobility and road safety.

  • 1.25 million people die each year in traffic crashes

  • 21 percent of global traffic-related fatalities were among children under the age of 18 and traffic-related fatalities is one of the leading causes of death for people under 20 years old

  • Bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists account for 49% of road traffic fatalities

Following is a statement from Claudia Adriazola-Steil, director, Health & Road Safety for WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities:

“The health and transport communities are coming together to embrace a comprehensive approach to road safety that includes safer design as an important principle. In support of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 11, countries have stated clearly that improving public transport, walking and cycling are key to addressing traffic safety while reaching other development goals.

“The declaration links to greater issues of development, including sustainability, resilience, urban growth management and social equity. This sets the stage for appropriate action on road fatalities and injuries as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the future New Urban Agenda with HABITAT-III.

“We encourage cities and countries to embrace comprehensive safety policies that heighten the role of public transport, walking and cycling. These policies can make the city safer for all, especially children, the elderly and those with disabilities.”

Photo Credit: Mariana Gil/WRI Brasil Cidades Sustentáveis