TrAFfiC ACCIDEnts ArE 8tH CAusE oF death in the world

Traffic Expert Gloria Stirling told Times of Suriname that traffic accidents were the 8th cause of death in the world in 2016. She pointed out that traffic accidents claim many lives in other countries and also in Suriname. The number of road deaths went up in 2016. “In order to tackle this alarming phenomenon, we need effective legislation that must be demanded consequently. Vehicle and road safety must also be improved. All the more reason for the United Nations (UN) to make traffic safety its top priority. One must keep in mind that in 2010 the UN announced the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 in response to the rapidly rising number of road-related injuries and fatalities occurring all over the world. “With the help of the UN member states we all must make sure that there are 50% less road deaths in 2020.” During the Decade of Action, the UN encourages new partnerships and initiatives across sectors to address what is being called a major public health issue. The official goal of the De- cade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 is to “stabilize and then reduce global road traffic fatalities by 2020.” The Global Plan for the Decade of Action is organized around a five-pillar approach to improving road safety, and includes targets and indicators for each pillar, in addition to global targets. The five pillars for focus during the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 are: road safety management, infrastructure, safe vehicles, road user behavior, post-crash care. Stirling explained that Surinamese legislation has also been adjusted with regards to helmets, speed, alcohol, seatbelts and child seats. But all of these measures alone are not enough. Stirling made it clear that Whatsapping, texting, playing loud music in the car and participating in street races must be made punishable by law. The breathalyzer equipment often does not have gas or can’t be calibrated which makes it difficult to gather evidence against traffic violators. Stirling explained that driver’s licenses are given back too fast which is why drivers fail to comprehend that they have committed a crime. “I hope that drivers will change their attitude in 2017 and that they will start to realize that they carry most of the blame. People with problems at home should not drive. The recklessness in traffic sometimes seems to be a reflection of the community. The many injured people which exceed the number of road deaths need psychological and victim care. The police must become more visible on the roads. And information is an essential factor. Programs must be broadcast every day and every year in order to raise awareness about the dangers that lurk on the road. The number of road deaths increased with 15 in 2016 when compared with 2015,” said Stirling who added that one must not forget the UN’s slogan: “Together we can save lives.” Road traffic injuries are a pressing global health and development concern. Approximately 1.3 million people die on the world’s roads each year and up to 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries.