Dear Editor:
Every year in the United States, approximately 42,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes and five million are injured. ” In fact motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children and teens in the United States.
Ultimately motor vehicle crashes indiscriminately threaten all who venture on our nations roadways,” said William Visser, Public and Government Services Manager of AAA North Jersey.The tragedy of motor-vehicle crashes is a problem of epidemic proportions that occurs not only in the Untied States, but applies to the entire world community.
Worldwide more than 1.2 million people are killed each year in motor vehicle crashes and an estimate 10 to 15 million people are injured. Traffic safety experts predict that by the year 2020 traffic fatalities will double becoming the third highest cause of death in the world, jumping from its current ranking of ninth.
In response to the growing number of traffic deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen “Safe Roads” as the theme for World Health Day 2004. (April 7). “The goal is to raise awareness of traffic safety in the hopes of reducing the staggering number of traffic related fatalities and injuries that occur each year worldwide,” said Visser. The World Health Organization encourages individuals and organizations to advocate for increased and sustained action in policies, funding, programs and research focusing on traffic safety issues.
Traffic crashes can happen at anytime and anywhere. In the coming months, especially during the peak summer travel season, AAA North Jersey encourages everyone to join in combating this threat to our well being. “Simple vigilance and attention to traffic laws, along with using seat belts, buckling up children properly and avoiding distractions while driving will all help reduce the chance of a serious crash,” emphasized Visser.
To contribute to the efforts on World Health Day 2004, AAA and many National and International organizations will emphasize the importance of safety belt use. “If all motor vehicle occupants consistently wore safety belts, almost 10,000 American deaths could be prevented each year,” noted the AAA manager.
William Visser
AAA North Jersey