New PAHO Report on Road Safety Highlights Slow and Uneven Progress in Reducing Traffic Deaths in the Americas

Washington D.C. 22 January 2025 (PAHO) - A new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on road safety reveals that in 2021, traffic accidents caused just over 145,000 deaths in the Americas, accounting for 12% of global deaths from this cause. Despite some progress, the rate of reduction in road fatalities has been slow and uneven, highlighting the urgent need for stronger and more comprehensive national policies.

The report, "Saving lives by promoting a safe road systems approach in the Americas," is based on the most recent data available, collected from 31 countries and one territory in the region, and is the fifth edition since 2009. Due to the impact of the pandemic in 2020, the years 2010 and 2021 were compared.

According to the study, the traffic mortality rate in the Americas decreased by 9.37% between 2010 and 2021, reflecting slow progress, with only nine countries managing to reduce deaths. At the subregional level, North America and the Caribbean have seen an increase in mortality rates. In contrast, the Southern Cone and the Andean Zone have achieved significant reductions.

"Road safety remains a major public health challenge in the region," Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO said. "Despite efforts made, the figures are still unacceptable. Road safety is not just an issue of infrastructure or legislation, it is a matter of life or death for millions. It is crucial that countries implement comprehensive measures to protect all road users, especially the most vulnerable."

Disparities in deaths and the most affected groups

Approximately 37% of traffic fatalities occur in high-income countries, although these countries only represent 41% of the population, 57% of registered vehicles, and 49% of the territory. In contrast, lower-middle-income countries, which only account for 5% of the population and 3% of the territory, concentrate 7% of deaths, despite having only 1% of registered vehicles.

Fatal victims of road accidents are predominantly male (79%) and young adults between the ages of 18 and 44 (54%). However, the impact is not limited to deaths. In 2021, more than 4 million people suffered non-fatal injuries in the region, 638,620 of them severe and with permanent consequences.

Vulnerable Users and the Challenge of Motorcycles

The report also highlights the disproportionately high impact on the most vulnerable users. From 2009 to 2021, deaths of motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists have increased from 39% to 47% of the total number of road traffic fatalities. In 2021, motorcyclists accounted for 27% of deaths, pedestrians for 17%, and cyclists for 3%. This trend contrasts with the slight decrease observed in the mortality of occupants of four-wheeled motor vehicles.

"The safety of motorcyclists remains an urgent priority. To reduce this type of death, it is essential to improve road infrastructure, enforce stricter laws on the use of helmets, seat belts, and driving under the influence of alcohol, and promote safer driving practices," Ricardo Pérez-Núñez, regional advisor on road safety at PAHO said.

Institutional management, road infrastructure, and safer vehicles

The report highlights the need to strengthen institutional management to improve road safety. Although some countries have made progress in policies and regulatory frameworks, there is still a lack of coordination and training in many cases.

Regarding infrastructure, while several countries have improved roads with measures such as pedestrian protection zones and better signage, more investment is needed, especially in rural areas and areas with a high incidence of accidents.

Regarding safer vehicles, the report highlights the benefits of international standards such as electronic stability control and airbags. However, the implementation of these standards is still insufficient in some countries, which limits their impact.

Safer users and post-crash response

The report also underscores the importance of reducing risky behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and using cell phones. Additionally, it calls for reinforcing the use of safety devices such as helmets and seat belts.

Finally, regarding post-crash response, although several countries have improved access to medical and rehabilitation services, disparities in response time and coverage persist, which requires an improvement in emergency infrastructure.

PAHO calls on governments to adopt a comprehensive "safe systems approach" that includes improvements in road infrastructure, strengthening traffic laws, and increasing vehicle safety. Additionally, the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to address this public health problem is emphasized.

News Releases

Road Safety

Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH)