Vulnerable Road Users Account for 66% of Traffic Deaths in Southeast Asia: WHO Report

Vulnerable Road Users Account for 66% of Traffic Deaths in Southeast Asia: WHO Report

WHO Report Highlights Alarming Road Traffic Deaths in Southeast Asia

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report detailing the alarming statistics of road traffic deaths in Southeast Asia, revealing that 66% of fatalities involve vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized two-wheeler riders. The report was launched during "Safety 2024," the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion.

Key Findings of the Report

  • Fatality Statistics:
    • In Southeast Asia, vulnerable road users constitute 66% of all reported road traffic deaths.
    • Among these, 46% are users of powered two- and three-wheelers, while pedestrians account for 17% and cyclists 3%.
    • In India, drivers or riders of two- and three-wheelers make up the highest proportion of road traffic deaths at 45.1%.
  • Global Comparison:
    • Globally, powered two- and three-wheelers account for 30% of road traffic deaths, while four-wheeled vehicles account for 25%, and pedestrians for 21%.
    • The report highlights that no country in the Southeast Asia region has met the target of reducing road traffic deaths by 50%, with some countries even reporting an increase in fatalities.
  • Regional Discrepancies:
    • The Maldives and Thailand showed a reduction in estimated road traffic deaths by 46.2% and 41.7%, respectively.
    • Conversely, countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal saw increases in road traffic deaths between 2010 and 2021.

Urgent Need for Action

The report underscores the critical need for effective road safety measures in Southeast Asia to protect vulnerable road users. The WHO's findings point to a significant public health crisis that requires immediate and coordinated efforts to reduce traffic fatalities in the region.

Conclusion

The WHO's report on road traffic deaths in Southeast Asia serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable road users. It calls for urgent action to implement safer road practices, improve infrastructure, and enforce stricter traffic regulations to save lives.