The United Nations has launched a global road safety campaign in the United States, with the goal of reducing road-related fatalities by 50% by 2030. Led by U.N. Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt, the campaign emphasizes the importance of basic safety measures such as wearing seatbelts and helmets, as well as avoiding distractions like phones while driving. The #MakeASafetyStatement campaign will be displayed on JCDecaux billboards in over 80 countries and 1,000 cities, including major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston. This initiative is part of the U.N.’s New Decade of Action for Road Safety, which was launched in 2021 in response to the alarming rates of road-related fatalities globally.
## The Global Issue of Road Safety
More than 1 million people die each year in road-related accidents, with over 90% of these deaths occurring in developing countries, according to the United Nations. U.N. envoy Todt highlighted the worsening situation in countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, emphasizing the need for collective action to address what he terms a “silent pandemic.” Road crashes are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States, following firearms, with preventable deaths occurring at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization reports that the U.S. fatality rate on the road is more than double that of Europe, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to improve road safety standards worldwide.
## Progress and Challenges in Road Safety Initiatives
New York City’s Vision Zero program, launched in 2014, has made significant strides in reducing road-related fatalities and injuries. Through measures such as the installation of automated speed cameras, establishment of school speed zones, and implementation of hundreds of miles of bike lanes, the city has seen a 12% decrease in traffic deaths and a 45% decrease in pedestrian deaths from 2013 to 2023. While progress has been made in enhancing road safety, challenges persist, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness campaigns and collaborative efforts to further reduce road-related incidents. Commissioner for International Affairs Edward Mermelstein expressed optimism about the potential impact of partnerships with organizations like the U.N. and JCDecaux in advancing road safety initiatives.
## The Role of Media in Promoting Road Safety
JCDecaux’s partnership with the U.N. on road safety awareness has seen the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign extend to various countries, featuring prominent international figures like Michelle Yeoh, Novak Djokovic, and Kylie Minogue. The campaign aims to leverage the reach of media platforms to educate and inform the public about critical road safety measures. Jean-Luc Decaux, president and co-CEO of JCDecaux North America emphasized the power of media in raising awareness and saving lives, highlighting the importance of a concerted effort to promote road safety on a global scale. Beyond the two-year campaign, Decaux hinted at the possibility of continuing collaboration with the U.N. on additional road safety initiatives, signaling a long-term commitment to advocating for safer roads worldwide.
## Future Prospects for Global Road Safety
As the U.N.’s global road safety campaign gains momentum in the United States and other countries, the emphasis on reducing road-related fatalities and promoting basic safety measures remains a top priority. With ongoing initiatives like Vision Zero and collaborative efforts between governmental, private sector, and international organizations, there is hope for continued progress in enhancing road safety standards and minimizing preventable deaths on the road. By raising public awareness, implementing effective policies, and engaging in meaningful partnerships, the global community can work towards achieving the U.N.’s goal of halving road-related fatalities by 2030. Through sustained efforts and collective action, a safer road environment for all individuals can be realized, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in road-related tragedies worldwide.