Latest news with #GlobalRoadSafetyWeek
Zawya
16-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) participates in the '8th UN Global Road Safety Week' with awareness and field activities
Abu Dhabi – The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, participated in the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week through a series of targeted awareness and on-ground initiatives. This year's campaign focused on improving pedestrian safety and promoting responsible micromobility use across the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility 's participation reaffirms its commitment to advancing road safety through global partnerships and local community initiatives. It also reflects the Emirate's broader vision of building a safe, inclusive, and forward-looking transport environment. The programme featured a range of on-ground activities across Abu Dhabi, tailored to engage key community groups. On the Corniche, safety teams engaged with pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users to reinforce responsible road use. In schools, awareness sessions focused on helping students adopt safer behaviours during their daily commute. Additional outreach efforts were held in labour accommodation areas, highlighting the importance of alertness while travelling and using designated crossings. Workers also received protective gear and clear guidance on safe conduct during transport-related tasks. In addition, the awareness campaign was amplified through social media content and printed materials tailored to different audiences, helping to extend the campaign's reach beyond on-ground efforts. These activities were implemented under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Joint Traffic Safety Committee, in line with a unified approach to promoting road safety across the emirate. Commenting on the occasion, Engineer Abdulla Hamad Al Eryani, Acting Executive Director of the Planning and Strategic Affairs Sector at Abu Dhabi Mobility, stated that the initiative reflects the Centre's ongoing efforts to embed safety into daily mobility practices. He noted that real impact comes from sustained awareness and close coordination with partners and the wider community. Al Eryani added that achieving meaningful change in road behaviour depends on sustained, real-world engagement and delivering clear, relatable safety messages. He highlighted that coordinated action among key stakeholders is essential to ensure these efforts have lasting and measurable impact. This initiative builds on Abu Dhabi Mobility 's ongoing work to promote safer transport behaviours through direct community engagement. It marks a continued shift toward practical, long-term solutions that empower individuals to contribute to a safer mobility culture across the emirate. About Abu Dhabi Mobility: Abu Dhabi Mobility is the brand identity launched by the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, that is aligned with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to rank among the most advanced cities in the world, and deliver a safe, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem across the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility 's mandate includes overseeing land transport, aviation and maritime activities solidifying its commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the region. Abu Dhabi Mobility will harness technology, innovation, and sustainability to accommodate the Emirate's growing population, redefine urban living, and meet future mobility needs.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
As Cycling And Walking Deaths Surge, Safety Experts Urge ‘Bold Action'
In the European Region, cyclist deaths surged by 50%, according to the World Health Organization. ... More When bicycle lanes aren't protected, cyclists can get hurt and even killed by car doors that are opened suddenly. Every year, nearly 1.2 million people globally lose their lives on the roads, and as many as 50 million more are seriously injured. More than 1 of every 4 deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists – in the European region alone, cyclist deaths surged by 50% – but only 0.2% of the roads worldwide are equipped with cycle lanes, and many communities around the world lack basic safety infrastructure like sidewalks or pedestrian crossings. Those are just a few of the sober realities highlighted during the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, which kicked off on Monday and continues through May 18th. 'Walking and cycling help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer – leading causes of premature death,' Etienne Krug, director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Department for the Social Determinants of Health, told Forbes. These most natural means of transport, he said, 'also curb air pollution, reduce traffic congestion and help fight climate change. Yet for communities to reap all these gains, we must first make walking and cycling safe. 'This is why we're calling for more urgent action,' Dr. Krug said, 'and why we're releasing a new policy toolkit to do exactly that.' This week the WHO, the lead road safety agency for the United Nations, joins hundreds of organizations and governments worldwide to promote a shift to more walking and cycling and to make it safer and more accessible. Under the theme 'Make walking and cycling safe,' the WHO launched 'Promoting walking and cycling: a toolkit of policy options' that presents practical guidelines and interventions designed for all sectors – from governments at all levels, international agencies, and urban planners to health advocates, businesses and schools. Included are case studies that showcase real-world examples of how these policy options are being successfully put into practice. Dr. Krug answered questions for Forbes about the 8th edition of the UN global road safety week and the new toolkit. His responses were edited for clarity and length. Forbes: Why is walking and cycling safety the focus this year? Dr. Krug:. At least one pedestrian or cyclist is killed on the world's roads every 2 minutes. More than a quarter (26%) of the 1.2 million annual road traffic deaths occur among people moving by foot (21%) or bicycle (5%), yet 80% of the world's roads don't meet pedestrian safety standards and less than 1% have cycle lanes. In addition, the danger faced by those who walk and cycle is rising in many regions. Between 2011 and 2021: What are some highlights of this year's programming? Hundreds of events are being planned around the world. The Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, YOURS: Youth for Road Safety and several other partners are hosting events in many countries. They are also promoting use of a set of technical tools that allow people to document their experiences walking and cycling in their neighborhoods and bringing any potential dangers to the attention of local authorities. We have seen instances of this exposure leading to immediate and substantive changes, for example, to the infrastructure around specific intersections or around schools. We are also promoting continued attention to what works to prevent road traffic deaths, including among those who walk and cycle: better laws and law enforcement, in particular around speeding, drinking and driving and using mobile phones while driving; better vehicle design, including anti-lock braking systems; better road infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks and protected bicycle lanes; and better emergency trauma care systems. What is the goal of the new WHO toolkit? 'Promoting walking and cycling: a toolkit of policy options' calls for bold action to advance and foster safe walking and cycling. It sets out seven areas where change is needed and possible - providing guidance to policy-makers, practitioners and advocates. Examples of actions all countries and cities can implement include: setting strong frameworks by integrating walking and cycling into all relevant policy areas; investing in building safe, connected networks for walking and cycling; setting street design standards to ensure safe design and infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks and protected bike lanes; ensuring safe road use by setting and enforcing safe speeds for motor-vehicles; and promoting safety through public awareness campaigns and to encourage active mobility. What is the big take-a-way? Walking and cycling should be the most ordinary and therefore the safest modes of transport. Leaders must prioritize making walking and cycling safe, above all, to save lives on the roads. When these modes are safe, they will also help us reap all the health, environmental and economic gains that flow from more safe walking and cycling. Many countries are taking steps in the right direction, prioritizing our right to safe mobility. Governments must continue to rethink mobility, improving safety so that people are able to make more healthy and sustainable transport choices. For more information, click here. To access the full report, click here.
Eyewitness News
11-05-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
WC govt says road safety starts with each user
CAPE TOWN - As road deaths continue to claim thousands of lives each year, the Western Cape government said road safety starts with each road user. The message comes ahead of Global Road Safety Week which gets underway on Monday under the theme, 'Make walking and cycling safe'. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), road traffic injuries remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million people killed and around 50 million injured every year. Authorities are using the week-long campaign to remind the public that even small decisions -including slowing down, staying sober, and staying alert can make a life-saving difference. The spokesperson for the provincial mobility department, Muneera Allie, said the campaign is a chance to push for meaningful change on the roads. 'Every life lost on our roads is one too many. Pedestrians and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable, and the number of drunk driving arrests is deeply troubling. Behind every incident is a real person - a parent, a child, a friend, neighbour or colleague.'
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Focus on pedestrians this Road Safety Week
Panaji: Goa will observe Global Road Safety Week from May 12 to 17, with a focus on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Globally, road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability, accounting for nearly 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries annually. These incidents are now recognised as the leading killer of young people aged between 5 and 29 years. Particularly concerning is the statistic that more than one in every four fatalities worldwide involves a pedestrian or cyclist. Recent accident data also shows the urgency of the issue. This March, Goa recorded 198 road accidents, of which 20 were fatal. Five victims were pedestrians, reflecting a 25% share of total road deaths. As part of Road Safety Week, all bars and liquor retail outlets will be urged to submit an undertaking with their application stating they shall display a painted 'don't drink and drive' board on the premises. The week-long observance will include awareness drives, school and college engagement programmes, and coordinated enforcement by transport and traffic departments.
