#SlowDown : Handicap International raises awareness of road-related risks
Handicap International participated in the World Road Safety Week, organized by the United Nations from May 8th to 14th. The association has organized awareness-raising activities for road users, in particular in Cambodia, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Handicap International tries to improve road safety in Lao PDR, further the use of crash helmets and teaches road safety reglementations. Laos, Asie. Lao PDR, Asia. | © Tim Dirven - Panos / Handicap International
One third of speed-related accidents
Every year, road accidents kill nearly 1.25 million people and injure 50 million people worldwide. 90% of the 15-25 years old that die because of raod accidents come from low- and middle-income countries[1]. And almost a third of road accidents are due to speed, sometimes combined with other factors (alcohol, etc.)[2]. "These accidents cause physical disabilities, psychological consequences and have a considerable economic impact. Educating people about the risks of road accidents is one of our priorities, "explains Eric Remacle, road safety expert for Handicap International.
#SlowDown
The #SlowDown campaign highlighted the dangers of speed and pointed out measures to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries related to road accidents. During the campaign, Handicap International conducted outreach activities in several countries where the organization holds it's programs. In Haiti, the association trained 100 drivers in the public transport sector, notably on road legislation, traffic signs and accidents[3]. The association also carried out awareness-raising activities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Handicap International informed the communities and presented a memorandum to the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa on the subject of speed limits.
More on road safety
In Haiti, Bolivia, Paraguay, the DRC, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Benin, Kenya, Laos, Cambodia and Pakistan, Handicap International is fighting for road safety. The association sets up training and awareness-raising activities (notably related to drinking and driving and speed), and contributes to the development of road infrastructures.
[1] A middle-income country refers to a country whose annual gross national product (GNP) per capita was greater than $ 765 but less than $ 9,386 in 1995.
[2] According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015.
[3] In collaboration with the police of the road.
