Pedestrian Safety
We are all pedestrians. Walking is a basic and common mode of transport in all societies around the world. Virtually every trip begins and ends with walking. Pedestrians are a highly diverse group and the most vulnerable road users. The group includes children, older people, teenagers, joggers, the disabled and mobility impaired, and some may be using wheeled toys or recreational devices such as skateboards, rollerblades and foot scooters.
Each year, more than 270 000 pedestrians lose their lives on the world’s roads. Many leave their homes as they would on any given day, never to return. Globally, pedestrians constitute 22% of all road traffic fatalities, and in some countries this proportion is as high as two thirds of all road traffic deaths. Millions of pedestrians are non-fatally injured – but some of whom are left with permanent disabilities. These incidents cause much suffering and grief, as well as economic hardship.
