UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign #MakeASafetyStatement, in partnership with JCDecaux, in New York City on 1 July.
The campaign aims to promote road safety and create safe, inclusive, and sustainable streets worldwide. This is a call to action, amplifying the message of the New Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve the number of road-related victims by 2030. Over two years (2024-2025), the campaign is set to reach more than 80 countries and 1,000 cities, displayed on JCDecaux's street furniture and on social media.
Addressing the silent pandemic
Every year, the staggering toll of road-related fatalities claims the lives of 1.19 million people, leaving countless others with severe injuries. This silent pandemic overwhelmingly affects developing nations, where over 90% of the road traffic fatalities occur. Furthermore, road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. It is also the main reason of death and serious injury to UN personnel.
Hitting the road in the USA
In the US, road crashes are the second biggest cause of accidental death, after firearms. According to the World Health Organization (2021), the US fatality rate is estimated at 14 per 100,000 people, while that of Europe is 6.5 per 100,000 people. Pedestrian deaths in the US rose by more than 40% from 2010 to 2018, which is over twice the pace of any other OECD country.
The launch of the campaign in NYC coincides with 4th July break and with summer vacation in several countries. Public holidays are usually periods of risk for road users. Highways are more dangerous, and there is a spike in risk-taking behavior. Sleep deprivation, distracted driving, driving under the influence, non-respect of speed limits and the non-use of restraints, are more common on public holidays. This is therefore a time of the year to hit the road with extra caution.
Launch events
Actor Jean Reno will deliver his safety statement at 4 p.m.
The launch of the campaign in NYC will be made of three events:
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11-11.30 a.m.: Press conference at UN HQ, followed by a live street-art performance on road safety from Street Art for Mankind artist Dragon76; a training demonstration with a car by The WFP Road Safety Academy, with the support of UNDSS; a presentation of the artwork on safe mobility for refugees in the context of the Exhibition "Interwoven" by Artolution and UNHRC.
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3-4 p.m.: United Nations Bike Bus, a bicycle ride with children, an initiative of NYC Bike Bus, NYC bicycle Bus, KIDICAL Mass NYC, Manhattan Country School Bike Bus, with the support of NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), UNDSS and UNICEF.
Venue: NYC street, Marshals and riders begin to gather at 1st Ave/38th St. At the corner of Freedom Plaza.
