Global Status Report On Road Safety 2023

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

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Global Status Report On Road Safety 2023

Despite a 5% decrease in road traffic deaths from 2010 to 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that road safety remains a major global health concern. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices, continue to face an immediate and growing danger, according to the WHO report.

Global Decline in Road Traffic Deaths

Between 2010 and 2021, road traffic deaths worldwide dropped by 5% to 1.19 million annually.

Countries making progress

Around 108 UN member countries reported a decrease in road traffic deaths. 10 countries achieved above 50% reduction in deaths. 35 countries reduced fatalities by 30-50%.

India

India, on the other hand, saw a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities rising from 1.34 lakh in 2010 to 1.54 lakh in 2021.

Impact on age groups 

Road crashes remain a major cause of death among youth (5-29 years) and the 12th leading cause of deaths among all age groups.

Population Growth vs Road Fatalities

In the last decade, the global population increased by about 14 billion or 13% but road traffic deaths decreased by 5%. Therefore, the road fatality rate per 100,000 people has seen a reduction.

Vehicle Growth Impact

The global motor vehicle fleet increased by 160%. Therefore, the annual fatality rates per 1 lakh vehicles dropped from 79 deaths to 47 deaths marking a 41% reduction.

Higher road deaths in Low and Middle Income Countries

Nine in 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries which is disproportionately higher when set against the number of vehicles and roads they have.

Alarming Statistics for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrian deaths increased by 3% to 274,000, constituting 23% of all global fatalities. Cyclist deaths rose by over 20% to 71,000, making up nearly 6% of all deaths worldwide. Shockingly, every third person who dies on the road is either a pedestrian or a cyclist, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

Unmet Targets and Global Challenges

Efforts to improve road safety have shown progress, but they fall short of meeting the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 target to halve deaths by 2030. The report reveals that over half of road traffic fatalities involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians (23%), riders of two- and three-wheelers (21%), cyclists (6%), and users of micro-mobility devices (3%).

Global Fatality Rates for Vulnerable Road Users

Globally, more than eight cyclist deaths occur per hour, amounting to over 194 per day. Similarly, at least 31 pedestrians are killed every hour or 750 per day. These alarming statistics underscore the need for intensified efforts to address the safety concerns of vulnerable road users.

Lack of Progress

The report indicates a lack of seriousness globally in ensuring road safety, with insufficient progress in advancing laws and safety standards. Only 0.2% of global roadways have cycle lanes, and 80% of them do not comply with pedestrian safety regulations, exposing users to significant risks. The report calls attention to the inadequate presence of laws supporting public transportation, cycling, and walking, with only around 25% of countries having such legislation.

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur