Road Traffic Accidents Are Now The Leading Cause of Death For Teenagers Globally
Every year across the world, the lives of approximately 1.2 million adolescents (those aged between 10 and 19) are cut short. Of this number, 115,000 deaths are attributed to road traffic accidents. Road traffic accidents are now the biggest global killer of teenagers.
This is according to new figures from the World Health Organisation, which has collated data measuring the number of adolescent deaths in 2015.
The data shows that the fatalities disproportionately affect men. Around one third of the road fatalities involved males aged between 10 and 19.
Furthermore, most of those killed are ‘vulnerable’ road users. Vulnerable road users include:
Whilst the most deaths occur in poorer countries in Europe, the Americas, and the Eastern Mediterranean region, road injuries are still also the leading cause of death in high-income countries.
In 2015, Britain saw 145 people aged between 10 and 19 killed in a road accident. Another 3,166 people were left seriously injured. Despite teenagers being only 1.5% of license holders, they make up 9% of those killed or seriously injured on the road in the UK.
How can you keep your children safe?
There are many ways to reduce the risk of a road traffic accident. For example, you could fit a black box in your or your children’s cars. A black box monitors your speed and driving, and helps you to drive safely. If you do drive safely you may be rewarded by lower price insurance policies, so it may be a win-win!
Furthermore, by driving a newer car your driving can be supported by the newest safety technology. This includes autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist. Newer cars also rate higher on the Euro NCAP crash rating – so if you do crash, you will be better protected.
Finally, experts have suggested that the transition between primary school and high school, when many children start to walk to school by themselves for this first time, is a risky time for teenage deaths on the road. Before allowing your children to walk on their own to school, make sure they are fully aware of how to stay safe near roads.