Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023

December 19, 2023

Despite a 5% decrease in road traffic deaths from 2010 to 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that road safety remains a major global health concern. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and users of micro-mobility devices, continue to face an immediate and growing danger, according to the WHO report.

Alarming Statistics for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrian deaths increased by 3% to 274,000, constituting 23% of all global fatalities. Cyclist deaths rose by over 20% to 71,000, making up nearly 6% of all deaths worldwide. Shockingly, every third person who dies on the road is either a pedestrian or a cyclist, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.

Unmet Targets and Global Challenges

Efforts to improve road safety have shown progress, but they fall short of meeting the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 target to halve deaths by 2030. The report reveals that over half of road traffic fatalities involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians (23%), riders of two- and three-wheelers (21%), cyclists (6%), and users of micro-mobility devices (3%).

Global Fatality Rates for Vulnerable Road Users

Globally, more than eight cyclist deaths occur per hour, amounting to over 194 per day. Similarly, at least 31 pedestrians are killed every hour or 750 per day. These alarming statistics underscore the need for intensified efforts to address the safety concerns of vulnerable road users.

Lack of Progress

The report indicates a lack of seriousness globally in ensuring road safety, with insufficient progress in advancing laws and safety standards. Only 0.2% of global roadways have cycle lanes, and 80% of them do not comply with pedestrian safety regulations, exposing users to significant risks. The report calls attention to the inadequate presence of laws supporting public transportation, cycling, and walking, with only around 25% of countries having such legislation.

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