The UAE is one of ten countries globally that has met the target reduction of at least 50 percent in road fatality rates. Other countries achieving this milestone include Belarus, Brunei, Denmark, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. However, the UAE has the second highest death rate, particularly affecting younger populations.
Road traffic injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge in the region, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region ranking second highest in death rates among the six WHO regions. Experts highlighted this during the launch of the Regional Road Safety Report in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
In 2021, 1.19 million people worldwide died in road traffic accidents, translating to 15 deaths per 100,000 people. Road crashes remain a leading cause of death among younger, working-age populations, significantly affecting health and development.
Dr. Hala Sakr, regional advisor for violence and injury prevention at WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, noted, "The report's main findings indicate that the region has the second highest death rate among all six WHO regions in terms of road accident deaths per 100,000 population." She added that while there has been some progress since the 2018 report, more efforts are needed to improve.
The global target for 2021-2030 is to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries by at least 50 percent by 2030. The UAE is among ten countries worldwide that have already achieved this target in terms of reducing the number of deaths due to road traffic injuries.
Dr. Sakr further emphasized that road traffic injuries disproportionately affect younger generations, particularly those under 45 years old in the UAE. This demographic represents the productive population, making this a critical issue from a public health and development standpoint.
The male population in the region bears nearly 90 percent of the burden of traffic-related deaths, mirroring a global trend. However, this does not diminish the impact on the female population, whose risk factors differ and must be addressed.
The report also underscores that traffic injuries are a global concern, affecting all countries regardless of income level. Vulnerable road users such as bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are particularly at risk, along with car drivers and occupants.
Experts advocate for a "systems approach" to enhance road safety, involving various components such as governance, safer vehicles, roads, and road users, as well as strengthening legislation and post-crash care. Technological advancements, including the advent of electric cars and digital monitoring, also play a crucial role in improving road safety.
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