Make roads safer, UN chief calls for action

New York: In the message for the World day of remembrance for Road Traffic victims (November 20), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for action to make the roads safer across the Globe.

Noting that every year, 1.3 million people die in road accidents and 50 million more are injured, the UN chief on Tuesday called for joining forces "in making roads safer and meeting the global goal of reducing traffic deaths and injuries by half by 2030", Xinhua news agency reported.

"One of the best ways to remember and honor the victims is by doing our part to make roads safer around the world," said Guterres.

"Nine out of 10 victims are in middle and low income countries," pointing at the correlation between traffic crashes and development he said.

He advised the Nations and authorities that along with more funding for safe and sustainable mobility, whole of society action plans and strong prevention approach is needed to save lives from traffic accidents.

Further, He urged member states and donors to support the efforts and prevent further tragedies.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year. It is a high-profile global event to remember the many millions who have been killed and seriously injured on the world's roads and to acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and communities.

-IANS

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