Road safety stakeholders from across the Globe are being encouraged to plan and host events to mark the Second UN Global Road Safety Week (6 – 12 May 2013) which is focusing on pedestrian safety.
In May 2011, the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) was launched in more than 100 countries, with a goal to prevent five million road traffic deaths by 2020.
The theme for the second Global Road Safety Week was chosen because pedestrians constitute a major group at risk of death, injury, and disability on the road, and are among the most vulnerable road users.
The week will focus on drawing attention to the need for, and generating action on, measures to increase pedestrian safety. The organisers suggest that events should attract media attention and expand the reach to policy-makers and the public at large.
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Whilst it is commendable that the UN have dedicated the week to pedestrian safety and it is something we should continue to highlight and promote, unless the goals are realistic (A short term goal of no pedestrian fatalities worldwide for the UN Road Safety Week) then there is little point in setting them as they just become media soundbites, as they are clearly unrealistic from the outset. They would be better in my view setting short term targets which are both practical and achievable.
Kathryn York
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