Justice Speaks Podcast Episode #27

Every day, headlines recount tragic stories of road traffic crashes, from drunk driving fatalities to distracted driving incidents and motorcycle deaths. While these stories dominate local news across the U.S., it’s crucial to recognize that these preventable tragedies occur worldwide. In this episode, Justice Speaks co-founders David Wallace, Judge Peggy Hora (Ret.), and Judge Brian MacKenzie (Ret.) discuss the global road safety crisis and the measures needed to save lives.

The Global Road Safety Crisis

Road traffic crashes are a global epidemic:

• 1.24 million people are killed annually on the world’s roads.
• Between 20 and 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries each year.
• Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists—make up 50% of all road fatalities.
• Road crashes are the leading global cause of death for young people aged 10-24. Without significant intervention, annual road fatalities could rise to 1.9 million by 2020.

UN Decade of Action for Road Safety

In response to the growing crisis, the United Nations launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) with the goal of stabilizing and reducing global road fatalities. The initiative focuses on five pillars:

1. Road Safety Management
2. Safer Roads and Mobility
3. Safer Vehicles
4. Safer Road Users
5. Post-crash Responses

The Decade has already made progress:

• 88 countries reduced road fatalities between 2007 and 2010.
• Despite a 15% increase in registered vehicles since 2009, global fatalities have not risen as expected.

Key Traffic Safety Topics

David Wallace, known as The Traffic Safety Guy, expands the conversation to address critical issues for global traffic safety like:

• Drink Driving: The effectiveness of DWI courts and other interventions.
• Distracted Driving: The dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel.
• Motorcycle Helmets: Saving lives with protective gear.

The Call to Action

Three years into the UN Decade of Action, progress is visible, but much more needs to be done. This global initiative is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating safer roads. Whether through advocacy, education, or personal responsibility, we can all contribute to reducing road fatalities and injuries.

Now is the time to step up, speak out, and take action to make roads safer worldwide.

Learn More

Join the conversation and become part of the solution. For more information on global traffic safety and resources to get involved, visit the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration website.