New PAHO Report on Road Safety Highlights Slow and Uneven Progress in Reducing Traffic Deaths in the Americas – PAHO/WHO

Washington DC January 22, 2025 (PAHO) – A new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on road safety reveals that in 2021, traffic accidents caused just over 145,000 deaths in the Americas, representing 12% of global deaths from this cause. . Despite some progress, the rate of reduction in traffic deaths has been slow and uneven, highlighting the urgent need for stronger and more comprehensive national policies.

The report «Saving lives by promoting a safe road systems approach in the Americas» is based on the most recent data available, collected from 31 countries and one territory in the region, and is the fifth edition since 2009. Due to the impact of the pandemic In 2020, the years 2010 and 2021 were compared.

According to the study, the traffic fatality rate in the Americas decreased by 9.37% between 2010 and 2021, reflecting slow progress, and only nine countries managed to reduce deaths. At a subregional level, North America and the Caribbean have seen an increase in mortality rates. In contrast, the Southern Cone and the Andean Zone have achieved significant reductions.

«Road safety remains a major public health challenge in the region,» said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. «Despite the efforts made, the numbers remain unacceptable. Road safety is not just a matter of infrastructure or legislation, it is a matter of life and death for millions of people. It is crucial that countries implement comprehensive measures to protect «all road users, especially the most vulnerable.»

Disparities in deaths and the most affected groups

Approximately 37% of traffic deaths occur in high-income countries, although these countries only represent 41% of the population, 57% of registered vehicles and 49% of the territory. On the other hand, low-middle-income countries, which only represent 5% of the population and 3% of the territory, account for 7% of the deaths, despite having only 1% of the registered vehicles.

Fatal victims of traffic accidents are predominantly men (79%) and young adults between 18 and 44 years old (54%). However, the impact is not limited to deaths. In 2021, more than 4 million people suffered non-fatal injuries in the region, 638,620 of them serious and with permanent consequences.

Vulnerable users and the challenge of motorcycles

The report also highlights the disproportionately high impact on the most vulnerable users. From 2009 to 2021, motorcyclist, pedestrian and cyclist deaths increased from 39% to 47% of the total number of traffic deaths. In 2021, motorcyclists accounted for 27% of deaths, pedestrians 17% and cyclists 3%. This trend contrasts with the slight decrease observed in the mortality of occupants of four-wheeled motor vehicles.

«Motorcyclist safety remains an urgent priority. To reduce these types of deaths, it is essential to improve road infrastructure, enforce stricter laws on helmets, seat belts and driving under the influence, and promote safer driving practices,» said Ricardo Pérez-Núñez, PAHO regional road safety advisor.

Institutional management, road infrastructure and safer vehicles

The report highlights the need to strengthen institutional management to improve road safety. Although some countries have made progress in policies and regulatory frameworks, in many cases there is still a lack of coordination and training.

In terms of infrastructure, although several countries have improved roads with measures such as pedestrian protection zones and better signage, more investment is needed, especially in rural areas and areas with a high incidence of accidents.

In terms of safer vehicles, the report highlights the benefits of international standards such as electronic stability control and airbags. However, the implementation of these standards is still insufficient in some countries, which limits their impact.

Safer users and response after an accident

The report also highlights the importance of reducing risky behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and the use of mobile phones. In addition, it calls for reinforcing the use of safety devices such as helmets and seat belts.

Finally, regarding post-accident response, while several countries have improved access to medical and rehabilitation services, disparities in response time and coverage remain, requiring improvement in emergency infrastructure.

PAHO calls on governments to adopt a comprehensive «safe systems approach» that includes improvements in road infrastructure, strengthening traffic laws and increasing vehicle safety. Furthermore, the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to address this public health problem is emphasized.