Global Road Traffic Deaths Decline 21% Since 2011, WHO Reports
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Road traffic deaths worldwide declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025 despite the addition of more than 1 billion motor vehicles to roads globally, according to new data released by the World Health Organization.
The report found that an estimated 1.16 million people died in road traffic crashes in 2025. Road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and young people ages 5 to 29.
The data was released as United Nations member states adopted a new General Assembly declaration aimed at accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, compared with 2021 levels.
The declaration calls on countries to implement national road safety strategies with measurable targets, funding and timelines. It also encourages governments to strengthen road safety agencies, improve crash data collection, enforce traffic laws and adopt higher safety standards for roads, infrastructure and vehicles.
The agreement promotes the “safe system” approach, which recognizes that human error is inevitable and focuses on reducing the likelihood that crashes result in serious injury or death through safer road design, lower speeds, improved vehicles and stronger traffic regulations.
WHO said transportation patterns have changed significantly over the past 15 years, with the rapid growth of ride-hailing and delivery services contributing to a more than threefold increase in motorcycle use between 2011 and 2025. Motorcyclists now account for nearly one-third of all road traffic fatalities worldwide. The agency said wearing an approved motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death in a crash by more than six times.
The organization also noted that emerging forms of transportation, including e-scooters, e-bikes and autonomous vehicles, present new challenges for policymakers. WHO said it is working with experts to develop safety standards and address regulatory gaps for new transportation technologies.
According to the report, more than half of all road traffic deaths involve pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists rather than occupants of passenger vehicles, underscoring the need for transportation systems that better protect vulnerable road users.
Regional progress has varied. The WHO European Region recorded a 36% decline in road traffic deaths, while the Western Pacific Region saw a 15% decrease and the South-East Asia Region reported a 2% reduction. Fatality rates remained unchanged in the Americas, while the WHO African Region experienced a 17% increase in road traffic deaths.
WHO reported that 10 countries reduced road traffic deaths by at least 50% during the decade leading up to 2021, and more than half of all countries recorded declines during that period.
The United Nations declaration also states that improving road safety supports broader public health and sustainable development goals by encouraging walking, cycling and public transportation, reducing congestion and improving air quality.
