Eastern Mediterranean Status Report on Road Safety

This report is part of a joint global initiative that resulted in the Global status report on road safety--the first worldwide analysis of how well countries are implementing effective road safety measures: limiting speed, reducing drink-driving, and increasing seatbelt, child restraint and motorcycle helmet use. The findings alert us to the urgent need for comprehensive and concerted actions in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to address the rising toll of death and injury and the economic and social burden due to road traffic injuries. Solutions are known and have been proven to work elsewhere. The basic preventive elements are the same worldwide and can undoubtedly be applied effectively in this region too. By addressing road safety as a public health issue and employing a systems approach, a marked reduction in mortality and morbidity can be achieved.