Health Ministers act to reduce traffic injuries

2 October 2011

 Ministers of health of the Americas have approved a new plan of action on road safety designed to prevent traffic injuries, the leading cause of death in children aged 5 to 14 in the hemisphere and the second-leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.

The plan was approved during the 51st Directing Council meeting of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) this week. It calls on countries to update legislation to address the principal risk factors of traffic injuries: excessive speed, alcohol consumption, and the use of seat belts, helmets, and child restraints. Other priority actions include promoting policies on public and nonmotorized transportation, improving pre-hospital care services for the injured and urban and road infrastructure, and encouraging industry to adopt technical inspection systems for all vehicles in circulation to ensure compliance with safety standards.