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Public HealthImproving Road Safety

Improving Road Safety

Road safety is a pressing global public health challenge that receives limited attention and insufficient resources to address the problem. Road traffic crashes are the 12th leading cause of death globally, and the leading cause of death for ages 5-29. Every year, road traffic crashes claim over 1 million lives and injure as many as 50 million people. Cities and countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries where over 90% of road traffic crashes and deaths occur, often lack the expertise and support they need to tackle key road safety threats: weak and inadequate road safety laws; limited police enforcement of existing laws; minimal or nonexistent vehicle safety standards; and streets designed solely for vehicle use that fail to consider other road users like pedestrians. In response to this challenge, Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed $500 million since 2007 to support road safety interventions in low- and middle-income countries and cities around the world. 

Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety 2020-2025

Many of the world’s roads lack important safety regulations that could help prevent traffic injuries and deaths. To fill this void, The Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety focuses on improving road safety laws in 15 countries and on and implementing evidence-based interventions in 27 cities. 

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A redesigned intersection in Quito increases pedestrian safety.

Top photo: A busy intersection in Mumbai, India was redesigned with colorful barriers and crosswalks making pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers safer. Photo credit: WRI India

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