{"id":7166,"date":"2023-10-13T10:14:05","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T10:14:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationaldiplomat.com\/?p=7166"},"modified":"2023-10-13T10:14:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T10:14:05","slug":"jean-todt-un-special-envoy-for-road-safety-visits-india-to-advocate-for-urgent-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/12h71.com\/?p=7166","title":{"rendered":"Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety visits India to Advocate for Urgent Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety visits India to Advocate for Urgent Action<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

16 October 2023 \u2013 The UN Secretary General\u2019s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is gearing up for a crucial mission to India, where road safety challenges persist at alarming rates. According to the WHO, one of every 10 road deaths globally occurs in India. The visit, scheduled from 16-20 October, aims to address the pressing concerns and advocate for evidence-based interventions, drawing attention to the urgent need for substantial improvements in road safety, through both the private and public sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Challenges and cost of inaction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

India records a staggering\u00a0150,000 road traffic fatalities<\/a>\u00a0annually, contributing significantly to the global toll. This is more than 400 deaths every day or nearly 20 every hour.\u00a0 The WHO estimates that these numbers could be as high as\u00a0300,000 road deaths per year<\/a>. In Southern-East Asia, the road traffic fatality rate stands at\u00a020.7 per 100,000 population<\/a>, more than twice the European average\u00a0of\u00a09.3\/100,000 population,\u00a0<\/a>emphasizing the urgency of focused action.\u00a0The Indian government has made important steps, including implementing the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019, and enhancing data collection through Integrated Road Accidents projects.<\/span><\/p>\n

India is witnessing a rapid increase in motorization, with two and three-wheelers constituting\u00a073% of total registered vehicles<\/a>. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and\u00a0 riders of two-wheelers, account for\u00a071% of all road traffic deaths in India<\/a>. Focusing on their safety is paramount in reducing fatalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond human loss, road crashes impose a significant economic burden. In India, the annual economic cost of road traffic crashes is estimated at\u00a05\u00a0to 7\u00a0% of GDP<\/a>. South Asian countries face similar economic challenges, indicating the need for strategic investments in road safety measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

UN Special Envoy\u2019s Call to Action<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Special Envoy\u2019s visit underscores the critical importance of immediate, evidence-based interventions to save lives and reduce the economic impact of road traffic crashes in India and South Asia. He will meet with officials from both the government and the private sector \u2013 such as Sanofi and Tata Group \u2013 to raise the visibility and commitment to the cause. Priority areas include enforcing seatbelt and helmet usage, reducing speeding, enhancing road infrastructure, and investing in public awareness campaigns to foster behavioral changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn India and South Asia, the road safety challenge is not just a statistic; it\u2019s a pressing reality affecting families, communities, and economies. With road traffic fatalities taking an alarming toll, it\u2019s imperative that we act swiftly and decisively,\u201d said the Special Envoy, Jean Todt. \u201cBy enforcing seatbelt and helmet usage, reducing speeding, enhancing road infrastructure, and investing in safe public transportation, we can save lives and alleviate the economic burden caused by road crashes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety visits India to Advocate for Urgent Action 16 October 2023 \u2013 The UN Secretary General\u2019s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is gearing up for a crucial mission to India, where road safety challenges persist at alarming rates. According to the WHO, one of every 10
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