Buckle Up for Change: UN Global Road Safety Week - May 10-14, 2024
Qualitas Insurance Company | USA
Insuring cars, caring about people.
In an era where rash and careless driving prevails, resulting in injuries and deaths that not only impact individuals but also communities and a country's human, health, and financial resources, the Working Party on Road Traffic Safety of the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe (U.N.E.C.E.) initiated the creation of Global Road Safety Week in March 2005.?
In October 2005, the U.N. General Assembly officially supported the establishment of the global road safety week. The organization invited the United Nations Regional Commissions and the World Health Organization to establish the first UN Global Road Safety Week, aiming to highlight the global road safety crisis and address specific road safety issues.?
?
The UN Global Road Safety Week serves as a platform for global, regional, national, and local activities aimed at raising awareness about road safety issues and stimulating responses to improve road safety worldwide.?
?
The First Global Road Safety Week was initially marked in 2007, focusing on "young road users, including young drivers." After a hiatus until 2013, it has been observed biennially since then until 2019. The 6th UN Global Road Safety Week in 2021 was dedicated to promoting low-speed limits for streets where people and traffic mix. Emphasizing sustainable transport, particularly the shift to walking, cycling, and using public transport, was the focus for the 7th week in 2023. The latest edition will be held in 2024 from May 10th to 14th.?
?
Road traffic injuries?
According to the WHO, road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives each year globally, with between 20 and 50 million people sustaining non-fatal injuries. More than half of these fatalities affect vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5–29, yet two-thirds of fatalities occur among those aged 18–59. Moreover, nine out of ten road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, despite these countries having only around 60% of the world's vehicles.?
?
In addition to the human toll, road traffic injuries also impose a heavy economic burden on victims and their families, as well as national economies. This burden includes treatment costs for the injured and the loss of productivity for those killed or disabled, costing countries an estimated 3% of their annual gross domestic product.?
?
However, there is hope for improvement. Proven measures to reduce the risk of road traffic injuries and deaths exist, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set an ambitious target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.?
?
How to Observe UN Global Road Safety Week:?
领英推荐
The most effective way to participate in UN Global Road Safety Week is by spreading awareness about road safety. Engage with your local community to raise awareness.?
?
Gather your friends and family and educate them about road safety. Starting with promoting safe roads and safe living within your community is an essential first step. Expand your reach to more communities as you progress.?
?
Lead by example and start with yourself. Pay attention to appropriate minimum and maximum speeds, obey traffic rules, and maintain focus on the road while driving.?
?
Road safety is paramount in ensuring smooth driving tasks and safeguarding countless lives. By adhering to traffic rules, not only do we protect ourselves but also contribute to the safety of others. It's crucial to be vigilant of road signs, maintain lane discipline, use indicators appropriately, and ensure that our driving licenses are valid and up to date. Displaying signs like 'L' for learner drivers or 'baby on board' can alert other drivers to exercise caution when near our vehicles. Parking only in designated zones further promotes orderly traffic flow.?
?
Keeping these practices in mind and refraining from speeding or driving recklessly is essential. As the saying goes, "It is better to arrive late than to not arrive at all." Let's prioritize safety on the roads, making every journey a secure and responsible one for ourselves and others.?
If you want more information on our insurance programs solutions, please visit https://www.qualitasinsurance.com or reach out to us at [email protected]??
?
?
?