Every year the lives of nearly 1.2 million people are cut short by a road collision. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer serious, and often life-changing injuries.  

In 2020, The UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution that launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the global goal of a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. 

In 2021, WHO and the UN regional commissions developed the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which serves as a blueprint for government-led actions. The Global Road Safety Leaders Network was launched in 2022 to accelerate progress. 

The Global Plan calls for a holistic approach, where safety is top priority in every decision that relates to road system design, planning and management. It calls for greater action to promote safe walking, cycling and the use of public transport, as healthy and sustainable ways of moving around.

WHO serves as a secretariat for the United Nations system on global road safety, including monitoring global progress through regular global status reports, and providing technical guidance and support to UN Member States.