Say No to Accidents, Yes to Life

Today, on the final day of Health Week, we are presented with a valuable opportunity to address one of the most critical global challenges in public health: road traffic accidents. This issue, with its profound human, economic, and social dimensions, demands the focused attention of policymakers, experts, and the public alike. The theme of today, "Say No to Accidents, Yes to Life," reminds us of our collective responsibility in creating safer roads and healthier lives.

According to the latest figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), approximately 1.19 million people worldwide lose their lives annually due to road traffic accidents, while between 20 and 50 million more suffer non-fatal injuries.

The Silent Crisis: The Hidden Dimensions of Road Traffic Accidents

Beyond the tragic loss of life, road traffic accidents exert a significant toll on the social and economic structures of societies. These incidents account for an estimated 3–5% of national GDPs annually and lead to widespread physical, psychological, and financial harm.

Moreover, more than half of the victims are vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Alarmingly, road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5 to 29 years.

Pathways to Life: Developing Safer Infrastructure

Developing safe transportation infrastructure is recognized globally as one of the most effective strategies for reducing road fatalities. Key measures include:

• Designing Safer Roads: Building separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, improving street lighting, and installing protective safety equipment.

• Modernizing Public Transportation: Expanding access to efficient and safe public transit systems to reduce traffic congestion and accident rates.

• Urban Planning Reforms: Creating "safety-friendly" urban environments that prioritize the protection of vulnerable road users.

Existing evidence suggests that investing in safer infrastructure leads to significant savings in medical and economic costs associated with road accidents.

Changing Culture: From Awareness to Action

Achieving road safety requires fundamental changes in individual and collective behaviors. Main strategies for cultural transformation include:

• Public Education: Offering regular educational programs from early schooling to professional levels to embed safe behavior.

• Media Campaigns: Designing and implementing campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, mobile phone use, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Promoting Social Responsibility: Fostering a collective attitude towards shared responsibility for road safety.

Experience from various countries shows that combining cultural change with infrastructure improvements can substantially reduce traffic fatalities.

A Shared Responsibility: Policymakers and Citizens United

The journey toward road safety requires simultaneous commitment and action from both policymakers and citizens:

• Policymakers: Through effective legislation, adequate funding for safety projects, and strict monitoring of infrastructure quality, they play a vital role.

• Citizens: By adhering to traffic laws, respecting the rights of other road users, and promoting a culture of safety, individuals can significantly contribute to preserving their own lives and those of others.

Ending Silent Deaths; Beginning a Safer Life

Road traffic accidents do not have quick or simple solutions. Yet, through a multi-dimensional and sustainable approach, we can move toward a world where the motto "Say No to Accidents, Yes to Life" becomes a reality rather than a mere aspiration.

Let us take a small but meaningful step today, at the close of Health Week, toward building a safer future for all.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023.

• United Nations. Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.