Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Global road traffic deaths declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025, even as over one billion motor vehicles were added, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, road crashes still caused 1.16 million deaths in 2025, showing persistent risks to road users worldwide.
Road injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and youth aged 5 to 29. The WHO data aligns with a new United Nations General Assembly progress declaration on road safety, aiming to accelerate efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030 compared to 2021.
The UN declaration commits member states to implement national road safety strategies with clear targets, timelines, and funding. Measures include establishing lead agencies, improving data systems, enforcing stronger laws, and ensuring roads, infrastructure, and vehicles meet safety standards. It encourages a proven ‘safe system’ approach that accounts for human error, focusing on safer roads, vehicles, speed limits, and survivable crash impacts.
The declaration also urges governments to lead and the private sector to prioritize safety in their operations. Civil society, academia, youth, philanthropic organizations, and the UN all have key roles in advancing global road safety. With nearly 60% of the world’s population in urban areas and rising use of new transport modes, pressure is mounting on transport systems originally built for private vehicles.