ASHENEWS reports that Road Safety Advocates around the world have written a letter to Heads of States and Governments attending the 2023 UN SDG Summit in New York, calling for action to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030.
According to the Road Safety Advocates, the letter which has a tone of urgency and alarm expressed disappointment that the UN SDG Summit which should be a forum where the crisis on the roads and the need to rethink mobility are addressed have these issues overlooked in the political declaration to be adopted at the Summit.
The letter made available to ASHENEWS declared that rethinking mobility is critical not only for SDG 3.6 and 11.2 but also as an enabler to achieve a host of other SDGs.
“3,700 people are killed daily on the roads worldwide. We cannot accept these tragedies. We cannot accept that road injuries are the leading cause of death in people aged 5-29 and a major cause of disability.
“We cannot accept the devastating effects of crashes on families and communities, from loss of income, jobs, and education to physical pain and psychological problems. We cannot accept that evidence-based interventions are not financed to the scale required and that roads are not built with safety in mind, especially for those most at risk.
“We cannot accept that even though we know what works to reduce road deaths and injuries, we are not implementing it. We are not doing enough to rethink mobility. We are leaving people behind.
“Rethinking mobility isn’t just about reducing road deaths and injuries. It is also about creating more livable and sustainable cities and communities, improving air quality, and reducing noise pollution.
“A safe road system enables children to get to school and their parents to access decent work opportunities. It must consider safe mobility for all, including those who walk, bike, or take public transport, not just motorized vehicle users. This can contribute to reducing emissions and making people healthier and societies more equitable”, the letter read.
The Advocates urged the Heads of States and Governments to make commitments to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030 by rethinking mobility and prioritizing road safety interventions that have been proven to save lives and reduce injuries.
“When you return to your country after this Summit, we urge you to make specific public commitments to implement lower speed limits; 30 km/h zones where people walk, cycle, live, and play; and road infrastructure to protect pedestrians, such as speed bumps, footpaths, and raised crossings.”
The leaders were also asked to back up the commitments by allocating funds to proven interventions and involving people and communities especially youths, women, and other overlooked road users in decisions that affect them.
“We have only 2,664 days until the end of 2030. 2,664 days to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% and to achieve the full SDG agenda for a safe, sustainable future for people and planet that leaves no one behind. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Take action with us.”
