Road traffic injuries are a major public health problem and a leading cause of death and injury around the world. Each year nearly 1.2 million people die and millions more are injured or disabled as a result of road crashes, mostly in low and middle income countries. Most of those killed or injured are vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

Appropriate and targeted action is most urgently needed in countries. The World report on road traffic injury prevention,¹ launched jointly in 2004 by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, identified improvements in road safety management together with specific actions that have led to dramatic decreases in road traffic deaths and injuries in high income countries. For example, helmets, seat belts, drinking and driving restrictions, and speed management are interventions that have been shown to be effective.

Following calls …