ITF: Record low in road deaths

the biggest decrease since 1990

International Transport Forum puts figure at less than 150.000 for first time ever For the first time ever the number of people killed in road accidents has fallen below 150.000 in the 52 member countries of the International Transport Forum (ITF), excluding India.

According to data released by the Paris based organization, which is part of the OECD family, road fatalities recorded the biggest decrease since 1990 with a drop of 8.9% in 2008 compared to 2007.

Preliminary data for 2009 shows a continuing significant reduction in the number of road deaths for most ITF member countries, recording a drop of almost 10%.

“The moderating effects of the economic crisis on road traffic appear to be one reason for this favourable trend”, said Jack Short, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum. “But many governments can also take credit for road safety policies that are now starting to produce results.”

The ITF is holding its annual global mobility summit on “Transport and Innovation: Unleashing the Potential” in Leipzig, Germany, from May 26-28.

The International Transport Forum is a strategic think tank for the transport sector. Each year, it brings together Ministers from over 50 countries, along with leading decision-makers and actors from the private sector, civil society and research, to address transport issues of strategic importance. An intergovernmental organisation linked to the OECD, the Forum’s goal is to help shape the transport policy agenda, and ensure that it contributes to economic growth, environmental protection, social inclusion and the preservation of human life and wellbeing. The 2010 International Transport Forum, to be held on 26-28 May in Leipzig, Germany, will focus on Transport and Innovation: Unleashing the Potential.