Today YOURS witnessed at the UN in New York the historic decision to increase action to address the road safety crisis over the next ten years. The UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming a Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 (A/64/L.44/Rev.1) was tabled by the Government of the Russian Federation and cosponsored by more than 90 countries.
Through the Decade, Member States, with the support of the international community, commit to actions in areas such as developing and enforcing legislation on key risk factors: limiting speed, reducing drink-driving, and increasing the use of seatbelts, child restraints and motorcycle helmets. Efforts will also be undertaken to improve emergency trauma care, upgrade road and vehicle safety standards, promote road safety education and enhance road safety management generally.
We believe that young people should also take part in the Decade of Action and our hopes are high that a new generation of youth leaders will step up and play an important role the coming years. YOURS will support young people wherever they can and will continue to connect, inspire and align the youth on this issue.
A draft Plan for the Decade, which was prepared by WHO with support from members of the UN Road Safety Collaboration, is now open to all stakeholders for comments. Visit the Collaboration’s website at http://www.who.int/roadsafety . All are invited to circulate this draft Plan among their respective networks to encourage awareness of the Decade, gather input on proposed plans, and garner support for the implementation of related activities.
Tomorrow members of the UN Road Safety Collaboration meet to further discuss and plan implementation of the first activities to take place in the context of the Decade. YOURS will give a short presentation and update the UN Road Safety Collaboration about recent achievements and upcoming events.