World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated on November 16th to remember the millions killed and injured on the world’s roads. The WDR, which is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of November, is also an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous burden and heavy cost of these tragedies.
Issued by the World Health Organization, the 2013 Global Status Report on Road Safety reports that approximately 1.3 million people die each year in road fatalities, while serious injuries account for 20 to 50 million. The alarming statistics continue in the report, according to which road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death for young people aged 15–29 years of age.
Almost 60% of road traffic deaths are among 15–44-year-olds, and for every road traffic fatality, at least 20 people sustain non-fatal injuries. Current trends suggest that by 2030, road traffic deaths will become the fifth leading cause of death unless urgent action is taken.
Only 59 countries, covering just 39% of the world’s population, have implemented an urban speed limit of 50 km/h or less, and allow local authorities to reduce these limits. Although the total number of traffic deaths remains extremely high, 88 countries have significantly reduced the number of fatalities on their roads.
Key risk factors for vehicle crashes are due to the following:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, due to either alcohol, drugs, or fatigue The Road Safety Authority of Ireland states alcohol is estimated to be a contributory factor in 1 in 3 fatal collisions. One in five people between the ages of 17 and 34 has been willing passengers in a car driven by someone under the influence of drugs.
- Poor road infrastructure
- Seat belts are the best protection in accidents, and their maintenance is especially important.
- Use of child restraints. According to the RSA, 77% of child fatalities in collisions between 1996 and 2000 were due to a lack of, or misuse of, a child restraint in a car seat.
- Avoiding the use of motorcycle helmets
- Mobile phone use, including calls and texting, According to RSA, your mobile phone makes you four times more likely to crash.
It's important to raise awareness among all drivers, young and old, to prevent road accidents. The Day of Remembrance should be seen as an opportunity to review our current driving habits on the motorway and to consider actions to improve road safety.
