Daily Current Affairs : 15-December-2023

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recently published report, “The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023,” delves into crucial findings and insights concerning road traffic fatalities and safety on a global scale.

Government Policies and Interventions:
  • The report sheds light on the role of government policies and interventions in shaping road safety outcomes.
Key Highlights of the Road Traffic Deaths Report:
  • Worldwide road traffic deaths have seen a 5% decrease from 2010 to 2021, amounting to 1.19 million fatalities annually.
  • Notably, 108 UN member nations witnessed a decline in road traffic deaths during this period.
  • However, India experienced a troubling 15% increase in fatalities, rising from 1.34 lakh in 2010 to 1.54 lakh in 2021.
Global Trends (2010-2021):
  • Ten countries, including Belarus, Denmark, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, have successfully reduced road traffic deaths by over 50%.
  • An additional 35 countries have made commendable progress, achieving a reduction of 30% to 50%.
  • The regional distribution of deaths indicates that the WHO South-East Asia Region witnessed 28% of global road traffic deaths, followed by the Western Pacific Region (25%) and the African Region (19%).
Vulnerable Road Users:
  • Vulnerable road users, constituting 53% of all road traffic fatalities, include pedestrians (23%), riders of two- and three-wheelers (21%), cyclists (6%), and users of micro-mobility devices (3%).
  • Pedestrian deaths increased by 3% to 274,000, while cyclist deaths rose by nearly 20% to 71,000 between 2010 and 2021.
Legislation and Best Practices:
  • Only six countries adhere to WHO best practices for all risk factors (speeding, drink–driving, helmet use, seatbelts, and child restraints).
  • 140 countries, comprising two-thirds of UN Member States, have laws for at least one risk factor.
  • Few countries have legislation covering key vehicle safety features and require safety inspections for road users.
Global Motor-Vehicle Fleet Growth:
  • The global motor-vehicle fleet is expected to double by 2030, emphasizing the urgent need for robust safety regulations and infrastructure improvements.
UN Decade of Action 2021–2030:
  • The report establishes a baseline for achieving the United Nations Decade of Action 2021–2030 target to halve road traffic deaths by 2030, urging a collective effort to address this pressing global issue.
Important Points:
  • Global Trends (2010-2021):
    • Worldwide road traffic deaths decreased by 5% (1.19 million annually).
    • 108 UN member nations reported a decline, but India saw a concerning 15% increase.
  • Countries Achieving Significant Reductions:
    • Ten countries, including Belarus, Denmark, Japan, UAE, reduced deaths by over 50%.
    • An additional 35 countries achieved a notable 30% to 50% reduction.
  • Regional Distribution of Deaths:
    • WHO South-East Asia Region: 28% of global road traffic deaths.
    • Western Pacific Region: 25%, African Region: 19%.
  • Vulnerable Road Users:
    • 53% of all road traffic fatalities are vulnerable road users.
    • Pedestrian deaths increased by 3% to 274,000, and cyclist deaths rose by nearly 20% to 71,000 (2010-2021).
  • Legislation and Best Practices:
    • Only six countries adhere to WHO best practices for all risk factors.
    • 140 countries, two-thirds of UN Member States, have laws for at least one risk factor.
    • Few countries have legislation covering key vehicle safety features and require safety inspections.
  • Global Motor-Vehicle Fleet Growth:
    • Expected to double by 2030, emphasizing the urgent need for robust safety regulations and infrastructure improvements.
  • UN Decade of Action 2021–2030:
    • The report establishes a baseline for the UN’s target to halve road traffic deaths by 2030, urging global collaboration for effective interventions and policies.
Why In News

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled “The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023,” shedding light on critical findings and insights concerning road traffic fatalities and safety worldwide; this comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the growing challenges in road safety.

MCQs about WHO Road Safety Report 2023

  1. Which region witnessed the highest percentage of global road traffic deaths according to the report?
    A. Western Pacific Region
    B. WHO South-East Asia Region
    C. African Region
    D. European Region
    Correct Answer: B. WHO South-East Asia Region
    Explanation: The WHO South-East Asia Region witnessed 28% of global road traffic deaths, followed by the Western Pacific Region (25%) and the African Region (19%).
  2. How many countries successfully reduced road traffic deaths by over 50%, according to the report?
    A. 5
    B. 10
    C. 15
    D. 20
    Correct Answer: B. 10
    Explanation: Ten countries, including Belarus, Denmark, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, successfully reduced road traffic deaths by over 50%.
  3. What is the projected status of the global motor-vehicle fleet by 2030 according to the report?
    A. Expected to decrease
    B. Expected to remain the same
    C. Expected to triple
    D. Expected to double
    Correct Answer: D. Expected to double
    Explanation: The global motor-vehicle fleet is expected to double by 2030, emphasizing the urgency for robust safety regulations and infrastructure improvements.

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