For information only – not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/1186
19 November 2021
Every 24 seconds a life is cut short because of a road traffic collision.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a time to reflect on the tragic deaths of millions of people.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of reducing traffic speeds to prevent death and serious injury – in particular of young women and men at the start of their adult lives, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users such as children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
I urge every country, company and citizen to support local and global efforts to make roads safer, especially in low- and middle-income countries where more than 90 per cent of the world’s road fatalities occur. I also encourage all Member States to accede to United Nations road safety conventions and implement whole-of-society action plans – and urge all donors to scale up much-needed financial and technical contributions through the United Nations Road Safety Fund.
As we look ahead to next year’s High-level meeting of the UN General Assembly to improve road safety, let us remember that every one of us has a role to play in keeping roads safe.
Today and every day, let us commit to make roads safer for everyone, everywhere.
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