The battle to reduce road deaths

IN the move to a more sustainable and safer future, tackling road accident injuries and fatalities will require a more concerted effort.

In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.

While Thailand to Malaysia's north remains one of the most dangerous places in the world when it comes to road accidents and fatalities.

In India, with an average of 474 deaths on the roads every day, such fatalities are described as a 'silent epidemic'.

In Indonesia, Bali's notorious 'Highway of Death' is a grim acknowledgement that motorcyclists top the list of those in the country who lose their lives on the road.

Throughout much of the world road accidents continue to exact their toll with 1.19 million people killed worldwide in 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

Road traffic injuries cost countries approximately three percent of their annual gross domestic product. Urbanisation, increased traffic, changing lifestyles and increased transport options are all contributing factors.

International initiatives like the UN's Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 which aims to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, emphasise a holistic approach to road safety that includes improved infrastructure, legislative measures and community engagement.

Technological advancements, such as smart vehicle systems using artificial intelligence and data analytics, also play a crucial role in future road safety strategies, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations among transport, health and law enforcement sectors.

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive commitment from governments, organisations, and communities worldwide to create safer road environments and significantly reduce the incidence of traffic-related injuries and deaths.

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