National Safety Council urges Americans to take part in Decade of Action for Road Safety

ITASCA, IL--May 11, 2011: The National Safety Council today called on Americans to get involved in the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 - 2020, an initiative of the World Health Organization. The Decade seeks to prevent road traffic deaths and injuries that experts project will take the lives of 1.9 million people annually by 2020. Motor vehicle crashes are the 9^th leading cause of death globally.

“Each of us can take actions to reduce our chance of being in a motor vehicle crash. We can prevent these tragedies and keep families together.”

Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths in the U.S. killing more than 35,000 people in 2009. Additionally, an estimated than 3.5 million Americans suffered medically-consulted injuries from crashes that same year, according to Injury Facts 2010 Edition.

"Preventing motor vehicle crashes is a winnable battle," said John Ulczycki, group vice president of strategic initiatives at the National Safety Council. "Each of us can take actions to reduce our chance of being in a motor vehicle crash. We can prevent these tragedies and keep families together."

The Global Plan calls for increased legislation and enforcement on using helmets, seat-belts and child restraints and avoiding drinking and driving and speeding. It also outlines steps towards improving the safety of roads and vehicles, enhancing emergency services and building up road safety management generally.

The National Safety Council (NSC ) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

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