Some 110,000 people die and more than five million are injured each year. in traffic accidents in Latin American and Caribbean countries, according to data from the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt.
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in children between five and 14 years old and the second cause in young adults in the region, which means that, in addition to the human tragedy that these deaths represent, countries lose many people in their most productive years. World Bank has encrypted the cost of traffic accidents between 2% and 6% of regional GDP.
To highlight the Importance of road safety in urban development strategiesThe UN special envoy has embarked this week on a mission that includes visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile, where he will highlight how an efficient and safe road system with good public and private transport facilities improves access to education, health care and food in an equitable manner.
One of the most urbanized regions in the world
Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions in the world, so road safety should be at the center of city development strategies, with greater emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian lines and routes, particularly in the vicinity of schools, and in the access to safe and clean public transport for all.
Jean Todt explained that an efficient and safe road system also contributes to building economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas.
Investing in road safety
“In Latin America, it is key to invest in road safety if we want to achieve the goal of Halve the number of road fatalities by 2030“, said.
He added that this type of investment will also help the region. to decongest cities with streets designed for pedestrians and bicycles and efficient and accessible public transport for all.
Among the investments he will encourage, Todt will propose strengthening the United Nations Road Safety Fund, which is implementing several projects in the region.
What is needed
According to the special envoy, to reduce traffic accidents it is necessary to apply laws, invest in road safety education, improve post-accident services, improve road infrastructure and vehicles, and integrate advanced security technologies.
Similarly, political leadership needs to be mobilized to scale up action and funding, and to carry out Awareness campaigns that promote responsible behavior among all road users.
This awareness must cover crucial aspects such as use of seat belts, drive slowly, Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, do not text while driving, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or while tired, and respect pedestrians.
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