UN road safety decade reaches midpoint as global efforts intensify

As the United Nations' Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) reaches its midpoint, global efforts are ramping up to meet the goal of halving road traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. This target, part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, remains challenging, with nearly 1.2 million lives lost annually.

The World Bank has significantly heightened its focus on road safety, having financed $3.34 billion in improvements from mid-2013 to mid-2023, benefiting millions. Recent milestones include establishing a dedicated Road Safety Unit, launching the Hart Schafer Road Safety Award, introducing the Road Safety Calculator, and developing a capacity-building program.

These initiatives aim to enhance evidence-based decision-making and mobilize financing for road safety projects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 92% of road fatalities occur.

The Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, set for February 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco, arrives at a crucial moment. Under the theme "Commit to Life," transport ministers and policymakers will assess progress and establish new priorities.

The World Bank will present two reports at the conference, focusing on financing road safety and enhancing road safety management.

While the first UN decade fell short of its targets, the current decade sees renewed optimism, driven by data-informed strategies and technological advancements. The World Bank’s commitment underscores the necessity of integrating road safety into broader development agendas to achieve the 2030 goal.