New findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate a 21% reduction in global road traffic deaths over the last 15 years. This improvement occurred alongside a significant increase in the total number of vehicles worldwide. Nevertheless, road accidents remained a major health issue, resulting in approximately 1.16 million deaths throughout 2025.
United Nations member states have adopted a fresh declaration aimed at halving road-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030, using 2021 as a baseline. While global trends are positive, the WHO African Region stands out as the only area where fatalities jumped by 17%. Road traffic injuries currently rank as the primary cause of death for children and individuals aged five to 29.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the data proves investments in transport safety yield results, though he emphasized that every preventable death remains unacceptable. The report highlights that rapid urban growth and the rising popularity of motorcycles have fundamentally altered transport dynamics. Motorcycle use has more than tripled since 2011, and motorcyclists now represent roughly one-third of all global road fatalities. Use of helmets remains a critical intervention, as they can lower the risk of fatal injury by more than six times.
Dr. Etienne Krug, from the WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, noted that vulnerable users like pedestrians and cyclists face the highest risks because roads are often designed solely for cars. The new UN declaration urges nations to create dedicated safety agencies, improve vehicle standards, and enforce stricter traffic regulations. Countries are encouraged to adopt a ‘Safe System’ strategy, which designs infrastructure to minimize the impact of inevitable human errors.
Regional results were varied, with Europe seeing a 36% decline in deaths, while the Americas showed no progress. Experts believe that enhancing road safety will save lives while simultaneously reducing congestion, curbing pollution, and fostering more sustainable urban environments.
