The World Bank Aims to Halve Global Road Safety Fatalities by 2030
As the global community approaches the midpoint of the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030), the urgency to achieve the ambitious goal of halving road traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 has intensified.
This target, integral to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.6), underscores a collective commitment to addressing a persistent public health crisis that claims approximately 1.2 million lives annually—translating to about 3,300 deaths each day. Tragically, children and young adults are disproportionately affected.
Reflecting on the First Decade of Action
The initial Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) aimed to reduce global road traffic deaths and injuries by 50%.
Despite significant efforts and progress in various regions, the goal remained unmet. However, the lessons learned during this period have laid a robust foundation for renewed strategies and interventions in the current decade.
The Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety
A pivotal event in the global road safety agenda is the upcoming Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, scheduled for February 18-20, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco.
Under the theme “Commit to Life,” this conference will bring together transport ministers, policymakers, civil society, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to assess progress since 2021, identify emerging priorities, and forge new commitments.
Notably, this marks the first time such a ministerial conference is hosted on the African continent, highlighting the region’s increasing prominence in global road safety discussions.
The World Bank’s Enhanced Commitment to Road Safety
In response to escalating road safety challenges, the World Bank has intensified its efforts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 92% of road traffic fatalities occur.
Between mid-2013 and mid-2023, the World Bank allocated $3.34 billion directly to road safety improvements, benefiting millions worldwide. Notably, from mid-2018 to mid-2023, World Bank-financed transport projects provided 65 million people with access to safer roads—comparable to the entire population of the United Kingdom.
Establishment of a Dedicated Road Safety Unit
A landmark development in July 2024 was the World Bank’s creation of a dedicated Road Safety Unit, the first among multilateral development banks. This unit, embedded within the Global Transport Department, underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to addressing the global road safety crisis.
It also houses the Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF), a multi-donor trust fund aimed at supporting efforts in low- and middle-income countries to halve road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
The Hart Schafer Road Safety Award
To honour the legacy of Hartwig “Hart” Schafer, a former World Bank leader and ardent road safety advocate, the World Bank introduced the Hart Schafer Road Safety Award. This accolade recognizes excellence in advancing road safety financing and innovation.
The inaugural award in 2024 celebrated the Bangladesh Road Safety Project, a $358 million initiative designed to significantly reduce road traffic fatalities through a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach.
Launch of the Road Safety Calculator
In a bid to empower policymakers with data-driven tools, the GRSF unveiled an innovative Road Safety Calculator.
This first-of-its-kind tool enables the evaluation of expected benefits from various road safety strategies by quantifying potential reductions in deaths and serious injuries for specific interventions, such as increasing helmet usage rates or installing roadside barriers on high-speed roads.
By facilitating evidence-based decision-making, the calculator aids countries in allocating resources effectively to maximize the impact of their investments.
Capacity Building Through the Road Safety Program
Recognizing that effective leadership is crucial for systemic change, the World Bank’s Transport Global Department is set to launch a capacity-building program focused on road safety management.
This initiative will offer learning and leadership opportunities for mid- and senior-level managers through interactive workshops, case studies, and site visits. Modeled after the successful Leaders in Urban Transport Planning program, this capacity-building effort aims to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive impactful road safety interventions.
Global Recognition and Awards
The World Bank’s steadfast commitment to road safety has garnered international acclaim. In December 2024, the Global Road Safety Facility was honored with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, recognizing a decade of life-saving achievements.
This accolade reflects the tangible impact of the World Bank’s investments and initiatives in enhancing global road safety standards.
Opportunities and Challenges
As the global community converges in Marrakech for the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, there is a palpable sense of both reflection and optimism. The slight decline in global road deaths reported by more than half of UN Member States demonstrates that progress is attainable with the right policies, strategies, and investments.
The World Bank’s recent milestones underscore a steadfast commitment to the ambitious goal of halving road crash fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. Building on this momentum, the World Bank plans to launch two pivotal reports at the upcoming ministerial conference:
- Financing Road Safety: Catalysing the Sustainable Finance Market to Bridge the Gap: This report will explore innovative instruments to mobilize private capital for essential road safety improvements.
- Strengthening Road Safety Management (3rd Edition): Offering updated tools and methodologies, this publication aims to assist countries in identifying and prioritizing their road safety management needs.
By integrating road safety into broader development agendas, leveraging data-driven tools, and fostering leadership at all levels, the World Bank is actively contributing to a safer future for all road users. As we reach this critical midpoint of the Second Decade of Action, the next five years are crucial.
Collective efforts, strengthened partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to life can turn the tide on this global challenge.
This article is based on a blog from the World Bank authored by Said Dahdah, Program Manager, Global Road Safety Facility
