Status of Road Safety in the Region of the Americas

This report published by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provides the most recent data on the status of road safety in the Americas, noting remaining challenges and progress since it last published the report in 2016. The report highlights trends in road traffic deaths and legislation changes for the entire Region of the Americas and by country. Data presented show that aspects of road safety management, legislation, and post-crash care have improved in some countries. Progress is evident in the design of safe roads, with more countries using a tool from the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) to rate road networks, and 18 countries are evaluating new roads to ensure standards are met for the needs of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists). However, the overall number of road traffic deaths—the second-leading cause of death among adults aged 15-29 years—has continued to increase throughout the Americas. It is clear that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.6, to halve the number of road traffic deaths by 2020, will not be achieved. The report calls on the countries of the Americas to increase multisector road safety measures and reinforce transportation policies and oversight agencies. Challenges remain for the Americas to adopt and enforce stronger legislation for the five effective measures (drink-driving, seat-belt use, helmet use, speed limits, and child restraints), improve vehicle safety standards and infrastructure, and increase access to quality emergency care.