Vision, Vulnerability, and Vehicular Safety: Bridging Policy Gaps in Road Traffic Regulation to Mitigate Global Disparities in Fatalities
DOI registered with Crossref
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmsphr/Volume06Issue01-05
Abstract
Road traffic injuries remain a significant global health challenge, claiming approximately 1.19 million lives annually as of 2021 (WHO, 2023a). This burden underscores a critical developmental issue that disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (WHO, 2023a). These fatalities now represent the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5–29 years (WHO, 2023b), signalling an urgent need for targeted interventions. The WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 highlights that while notable progress has been made in reducing road traffic deaths in high-income countries, where robust safety measures and healthcare infrastructure exist, LMICs continue to face alarmingly high mortality rates (WHO, 2023b). This issue aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) (Hales & Birdthistle, 2023; United Nations, 2024) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) (United Nations, 2024).
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