This week the world is marking the first edition of the UN Road Safety Week, aimed at promoting safer roads.

To mark the event, the Health Promotion Department has brought together the Malta Police, the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and the Education Division, with the intention of creating awareness to prevent injury on Maltese roads.

Almost 1.2 million people are killed and millions injured in road traffic collisions worldwide every year. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24.

According to the European Injury Database, there is an average of 15 fatal accidents on Maltese roads every year, while the number of injuries exceeds 1,200.

A number of countries have shown that, by taking action with regard to drink-driving, speeding, use of helmets and seat belts, and increasing the visibility of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, a significant number of lives can be saved and resources spared, even as traffic continues to rise.

Young people constitute a major group at risk of death, injury and disability on the roads. In fact, the chosen theme for this year’s Road Safety campaign is Young Road Users and the main objectives are to raise awareness about the societal impact of traffic injuries and to promote action around key factors that have a major impact on prevention of road injuries.

Local activities include educational campaigns in schools, while ADT will also run adverts on television.

A young delegate, Vicky Camilleri is also currently attending the Global Young People’s Forum in Geneva.

As part of the activities marking the event, Urban Development and Roads Minister yesterday spent a morning with students of the Immaculate Conception School of Cospicua, during which the students learnt more about road safety.