General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO road-traffic injury information.
Why are road traffic injuries important for children and young people?
WHO identifies road traffic injuries as the leading cause of death globally for people aged 5–29 years.
Who are vulnerable road users?
WHO reports that more than half of road traffic deaths occur among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Where is the burden greatest?
WHO reports that 92% of road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have around 60% of the world’s vehicles.
What does prevention involve?
WHO frames road safety as a systems issue involving safer roads, vehicles, speeds, road-user behaviour, law enforcement and timely post-crash care.
Road safety depends on local conditions and law. This page provides global public-health context rather than instructions for a particular journey or vehicle.
References
- World Health Organization. Road traffic injuries, 20 July 2026.