UN sends alert about “silent pandemic” of road accidents and calls for action in DR

Jean Todt warns that a change in behavior is the key to saving lives on the roads

Santo Domingo.- The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, stated that traffic accidents represent a “silent pandemic” as they constitute the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29, and therefore urged for the strengthening of education and public awareness to reduce casualties on the roads.

During the launch of the “Voices for Road Safety” campaign in the Dominican Republic, Todt explained that reducing accidents requires a combination of better laws, effective enforcement of regulations, safer vehicles and roads, as well as timely medical care. However, he insisted that change must begin with the behavior of each citizen.

“When a person is in a vehicle, they must wear a seat belt, both in the front and rear seats; if riding a motorcycle, they must wear a proper helmet, respect speed limits, not drive under the influence of alcohol, nor use a mobile phone while driving,” he emphasized.

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The UN representative explained that, together with the company JCDecaux, they have been developing a global awareness campaign for three years, present in thousands of cities across 80 countries, using billboards featuring national and international figures to promote road safety and prevention messages.

Todt also highlighted the role of the media in generating behavioral changes in the population and creating greater awareness about the consequences of reckless driving.

When asked about the Dominican Government’s work regarding traffic accidents, he considered that significant efforts are being made, although he stressed that the responsibility does not lie solely with the authorities.

“When we talk about the Government, we are also talking about INTRANT, the private sector, and society as a whole. The Government cannot be held solely responsible if people decide to drive under the influence of alcohol. If the population acted correctly, the number of accidents would be much lower,” he stated.

Finally, he maintained that the main challenge is to transform road culture and reiterated that the media are fundamental allies in educating citizens about the behaviors that save lives and those that put all road users at risk.