Study Finds Road Accident Deaths Falling Globally, Rising in Poorer Countries

Road traffic deaths have declined globally over the past three decades, but the benefits have been uneven, with many lower-income countries continuing to experience disproportionately high fatality rates, according to a new study published in The Lancet Public Health. The findings coincide with fresh data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which also reported a decline in global road traffic deaths while highlighting that crashes remain a major public health challenge.

The study found that global rates of road injuries and deaths fell by more than 30% between 1990 and 2023. Separately, the WHO said road traffic deaths declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025. Despite this progress, road crashes claimed more than 1.1 million lives worldwide last year and remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged between five and 29 years.

Researchers from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation said that although road injury rates are generally higher in wealthier countries due to greater vehicle use, nearly 90% of road traffic deaths occur in low-income countries. The study noted that many developing nations have struggled to keep road safety infrastructure and regulations in step with rapid urbanisation and increasing motor vehicle ownership.

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The researchers pointed to differences in safety measures between high-income and low-income countries, including wider use of seat belt laws, airbags and other vehicle safety technologies in wealthier nations. Senior author Liane Ong said road injury outcomes depend not only on crashes themselves but also on the systems designed to prevent collisions and protect people when accidents occur.

In the United States, road fatalities increased during the past decade and peaked at more than 43,000 deaths in 2021 before beginning to decline. Authorities estimate that around 36,600 people died in road crashes last year. Researchers also highlighted factors such as distracted driving and the growing popularity of larger passenger vehicles as contributing to road safety challenges, although recent data indicates improvements in pedestrian safety.

The release of the study coincides with a two-day United Nations high-level meeting on global road safety in New York. Experts say strengthening traffic laws, improving road infrastructure, enhancing vehicle safety standards and expanding emergency medical services will be essential to further reduce road traffic deaths, particularly in low-income countries where the burden remains disproportionately high.

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