Vehicle injury accidents now 8th leading cause of death across the globe

The World Health Organization issued its Global Status Report on Road Safety to end the year and found fatalities involving motor vehicles are now the 8th leading cause of death in the world.

This puts vehicle-related deaths ahead of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Low-income countries are hit the hardest, according to the study, which says pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists often have to travel on unsafe paths because infrastructure developments did not keep those modes of travel in mind.

Children at the age of 5 through young adults at the age of 29 experience the highest death rate of any age group when it comes to motor vehicle collisions.

Overall, 1.35 million people have died as a result of traffic fatalities. Half of those killed consist of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

In another report the National Safety Council estimates more than 40,000 people have died in traffic collisions in 2016 and 2017. The WHO’s report states the number for 2016 is just shy of 40,000.

They’re numbers the local California Highway Patrol office says they know too well as they continue to try and educate people on the rules of the road as well as precautions needed to make sure a child is safe in a vehicle.

“We’re always looking at ways to get that message across to people,” says CHP Officer Sam Courtney. “When you are driving it’s the most important thing you’re doing from the time you’re on the road to when you’re off it.”

The CHP has implemented programs to help young drivers stay safe on the roads with the use of the “Start Smart” program.

Meanwhile local CHP offices can be contacted should anyone feel uncomfortable with how they have booster or car seats installed for their youngest children.

In its report the WHO says there are hopes to reduce the 1.35 million killed worldwide in traffic accidents by about a half, however “drastic changes” have to be made.