How Many Pedestrians and Cyclists Died in Southeast Asia in 2021?
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Synopsis
In 2021, over 330,000 deaths in Southeast Asia from road crashes highlighted the urgency of road safety. WHO's report during UN Global Road Safety Week emphasizes the need for safer walking and cycling, particularly among vulnerable road users, to combat rising fatalities and promote overall community health.
Key Takeaways
- Over 330,000 deaths from road crashes in Southeast Asia in 2021.
- 28 percent of global road traffic fatalities occurred in this region.
- 66 percent of fatalities involve vulnerable road users.
- Road safety is crucial for community health and environmental sustainability.
- Walking and cycling promote physical and mental well-being.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Over 330,000 individuals lost their lives in road accidents across the Southeast Asia region in 2021, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) released on Monday during the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week.
This biennial event begins on the third Monday of May, with this year's theme being “Make walking and cycling safe”, which calls for enhanced safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists globally.
Saima Wazed, the Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, highlighted that road traffic injuries have become the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29, presenting a significant public health issue in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
“In 2021, our region represented over 330,000 fatalities from road accidents, accounting for 28 percent of the global total,” stated Wazed.
Vulnerable road users, which include pedestrians, cyclists, and those operating two- and three-wheeled vehicles, make up to 66 percent of these deaths.
Wazed emphasized that pedestrians and cyclists already contribute to over 25 percent of road traffic fatalities. Making roads safer is not only vital for saving lives but also for improving community health and enhancing environmental sustainability.
“Encouraging walking and cycling is essential for promoting physical activity, which is a modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It also supports mental well-being by alleviating depression and anxiety,” Wazed pointed out.
Worldwide, road accidents result in the deaths of nearly 1.2 million people and leave up to 50 million with non-fatal injuries annually.
Wazed called on civil society, the private sector, and communities to advocate for people-centered mobility policies, improved road designs, safer vehicles, and reduced speed limits.
Point of View
The alarming statistics released by WHO serve as a call to action for all stakeholders. Addressing road safety is not just a governmental responsibility; it requires a collective effort from civil society, private sectors, and communities to develop effective policies and infrastructure that prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users. The tragic losses from road accidents should galvanize us towards innovative solutions that ensure safer environments for all.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of road traffic deaths in Southeast Asia?
The primary causes of road traffic deaths in Southeast Asia include high-speed driving, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and inadequate safety measures for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
How can communities improve road safety?
Communities can improve road safety by advocating for better road designs, implementing lower speed limits, and promoting policies that prioritize walking and cycling.
Why is walking and cycling important for health?
Walking and cycling are vital for promoting physical activity, which helps reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and supports mental well-being by alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
