Road deaths fall to record low

11 June 2010

The number of people killed on the roads in the 52 countries belonging to the International Transport Forum (ITF), excluding India, has fallen to below 150,000 for the first time.

According to data released by the Paris-based organisation, which is part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and a strategic think tank for the transport sector, road fatalities recorded the biggest decrease since 1990 with a drop of 8.9% in 2008 compared to 2007.

Preliminary data for 2009 shows a continuing significant reduction in the number of road deaths for most ITF member countries, recording a drop of almost 10%.

“The moderating effects of the economic crisis on road traffic appear to be one reason for this favourable trend”, said Jack Short, ITF secretary general. “But many governments can also take credit for road safety policies that are now starting to produce results.”