The United Nations General Assembly has set an ambitious target of halving the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2030
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years.
Approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have approximately 60% of the world's vehicles.
Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product.
Every 1% increase in mean speed produces a 4% increase in the fatal crash risk and a 3% increase in the serious crash risk.
Death risk for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly e.g. an increase from 50 km/h to 65 km/h, death risk increases by
In car-to-car side impacts the fatality risk for car occupants is 85% at 65 km/h.
Correct helmet use can lead to a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries.
Wearing a seat-belt reduces the risk of death among drivers and front seat occupants by 45 - 50%, and the risk of death and serious injuries among rear seat occupants by 25%.
The use of child restraints can lead to a 60% reduction in deaths.
Drivers using mobile phones are approximately 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers not using a mobile phone.
