Every year 1.35 million people are killed in the world’s roads. 50 million more are injured.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young people (5-29 years) and developing countries bear the greatest burden. But it’s not just personal safety – the economic costs keep people in poverty and road quality is linked to many areas of sustainable development.
Safe and sustainable public transport helps provide access to trade, jobs, markets, education, health care and other services that contribute to economic growth and quality of life. It can empower women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Road safety should be an integral element of land use, street design, fighting climate change, transport system planning and governance, especially for vulnerable road users and in urban areas.
Solutions exist, we can prevent millions of tragedies on the road worldwide.
On this topic
Jemilah Mahmood
Living in a complex world: can planetary health offer a way forward?
Patrick Bond
The Climate Justice movement: histories and trajectories
Kristalina Georgieva
Challenges of recovery, climate change and inequality
Johan Rockström
Safeguarding a climate - towards a sustainable future
Anthony Bebbington
Natural resource extraction after COVID: social justice challenge