UN Global Road Safety Week takes place in May and the dates are announced by the U.N. closer to the time. This year, it takes place from May 10 to 14. The week was first marked in 2007. It was no longer observed until 2013, and it had been recorded every two years since then until 2019. It is a special global road safety campaign hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to raise awareness about road safety and accident prevention. Did you know how many road traffic accidents occur every year? About 1.3 million people die on the world’s roads every year, and 20 to 50 million people are injured every year. Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death among all age groups. Here is everything you need to know about the UN Global Road Safety Week.
History of UN Global Road Safety Week
Road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths not only have a terrible impact on individuals but also have an impact on communities and the country’s human, health, and financial resources. It can not only cause grief and suffering, but it can also ruin a country’s wealth with the massive costs associated with health care systems and loss of productivity and prosperity, with economic and social repercussions.
The Working Party on Road Traffic Safety of the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe (U.N.E.C.E.) initiated the creation of the Global Road Safety Week in March 2005. Later, the Working Party considered expanding the idea of safety week to the global context, rather than only the U.N.E.C.E. region. In October 2005, the U.N. General Assembly officially supported the creation of the global road safety week. In order to provide a platform for global and regional activities to raise awareness about road safety issues, the organization invites the U.N. Regional Commissions and the WHO to establish the first UN Global Road Safety Week.
The first UN Global Road Safety Week was themed ‘Youth Road Safety.’ It was specifically aimed at youth because data demonstrate that young people are outnumbered in road accidents. However, the main goal of the week was to invite and educate all road users about the importance of road safety. At the UN Global Road Safety Week, world leaders will meet at the high-level meeting on road safety. Join the movement and make a difference!
UN Global Road Safety Week timeline
The first UN Road Safety Week is observed by the U.N. General Assembly.
The WHO reports road traffic accidents as a major cause of death among all age groups.
The U.N. General Assembly creates a resolution called 'the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030' to improve worldwide road safety.
The U.N. General Assembly launches the Decade of Action for Road Safety.
UN Global Road Safety Week FAQs
What is the theme of Road Safety 2021?
The week’s theme for 2021 is ‘Streets for Life,’ which took place from May 17 to 23, 2021. The goal of this sixth UN Global Road Safety Week was to introduce a 20 m.p.h. speed limit for cities, towns, and villages across the world.
How to prevent road accidents?
Some ways of preventing road accidents are: never drink while driving, always wear a seat belt, avoid distractions, never break the red signal, and always drive within the speed limit.
What are the leading causes of road accidents?
The leading causes of road accidents are distracted driving and overspeeding, especially on highways. The consequences of driving at high speeds are deadly and often cost you your life.
How to Observe UN Global Road Safety Week
Spread awareness
The best thing you can do to participate in UN Global Road Safety Week is spread awareness about road safety. You can spread awareness in your locality and community.
Teach about road safety
Invite all your friends and family together and teach them about road safety. Starting with safe roads and safe living within your community is the best place to start. Reach more communities as you progress.
Start to drive safely
You can start with yourself. When driving, start paying attention to the appropriate minimum and maximum speeds, obey the traffic rules, and keep your focus on the road.
5 Insane Facts About Road Safety That Will Blow Your Mind
The leading cause of death
Road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children and adults aged five to 29 years.
Low-income countries are at risk
People in low-income countries have three times more risk than people in high-income countries.
Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of motorized two-and three-wheelers are classified as vulnerable by the WHO.
Males are affected more
Approximately three-quarters of all road accidents involve young males.
Child restraints are crucial
Failing to use child restraints is one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents.
Why UN Global Road Safety Week is Important
This week acts as a reminder
In an era where people are often rash and careless drivers, UN Global Road Safety Week is a much-needed week that promotes the importance of road safety. It serves as a reminder to all road users across the world to follow traffic laws and driving regulations.
It can save more lives
Road accidents not only take the lives of people engaged in the accident but also destroy the lives of others who rely on those involved in the accident. We are saving more than one life by improving road safety.
We need a better world
In our busy lives with all the hustle and bustle, we might look at road accidents as something that happens every day. The UN Global Road Safety Week aims to change the mindset of people and change the world for the better.
UN Global Road Safety Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 13 | Friday |
| 2023 | May 15 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 10 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 9 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 8 | Friday |
Log In With Google 