Despite adding more than a billion motor vehicles to the world’s roads, road traffic deaths fell by 21% between 2011 and 2025, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The world experienced profound changes in road traffic during this period with the emergence of new modes of transportation and a sharp increase in the use of motorcycles. Despite this progress, however, traffic accidents will still kill 1.16 million people in 2025. Traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and youth aged 5-29.
The new WHO data comes as world leaders today endorse a new United Nations General Assembly (UN) progress statement on road safety. The declaration aims to strengthen global action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030 compared to 2021 levels.
“This progress shows that change is possible when countries invest in safe road systems. Over the past 15 years we have made real progress in reducing road deaths, despite the increase in the number of vehicles and major changes in the way people move,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “I commend countries for the strong political declaration they are adopting today, which aims to accelerate action to ensure that more roads are designed for people first, not motor vehicles, with safety first. All road deaths are preventable and none are acceptable.”
The new UN declaration includes a comprehensive set of commitments by UN member states to implement national road safety strategies with clear objectives, timetables and budgets. These commitments include creating leading road safety agencies, improving data collection and analysis, developing and enforcing stronger legislation and ensuring that roads, infrastructure and vehicles meet basic safety standards.
The declaration commits countries to the proven “safe system” approach, which recognizes that people will always make mistakes on the road. The approach promotes safer roads, infrastructure, vehicles, speed limits and regulations that account for human error and ensure that the effects of conflict remain at survivable levels. It also calls on governments to take the lead and take additional action and urges the private sector to prioritize road safety throughout their supply chains. The declaration also highlights the important roles of civil society, academia, youth, charities and the United Nations in promoting progress.
Safer roads for a safer future
With nearly 60% of the world’s population now living in urban areas, the growing demand for mobility threatens to overwhelm transport systems largely designed around private motor vehicles.
With the rise of ride-hailing and delivery apps, the number of motorcycles more than tripled between 2011 and 2025. Deaths among motorcyclists now account for nearly a third of the world’s traffic deaths. Wearing a safe motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of dying in a crash by more than six times.
New forms of mobility, including e-scooters, e-bikes and autonomous vehicles, present challenges and opportunities for transport planners and policy makers. WHO works to close gaps in laws and regulations, promote consistent safety standards and brings together leading experts to find new ways to ensure that all new vehicles and technologies are safe.
More than half of road traffic deaths are people who aren’t even in a car – they’re walking, cycling or riding a motorbike. When roads are designed as if only car drivers matter, these people are left dangerously exposed. We know what works – strong laws and enforcement, safe infrastructure and vehicles with a focus on reducing speed and tackling impaired driving. This statement means we all need to move further and faster.”
Dr. Etienne Krug, Director, Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention at WHO
Around the world, 10 countries reduced road traffic deaths by 50% in the decade to 2021, and more than half of countries reported a fall in fatal crashes over this period. However, progress is uneven, with a 36% drop in deaths in the WHO European Region, a 15% decrease in the Western Pacific Region, a 2% drop in the WHO South-East Asia Region, no change in rates in the Americas, and a 17% increase in deaths in the WHO African Region.
The new UN statement says that strengthening road safety is key to improving public health and sustainable development overall. More people choosing to walk, cycle and use public transport can reduce congestion, improve air quality, create more sustainable cities and support healthier, longer lives.
