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The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Supports Pedestrian Safety Week Set for May 6-12, 2013


pedestrian

VIENNA, VA--April 9, 2013: Traffic-related fatalities each year exceed 1.2 million worldwide and vulnerable road users--pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists--account for 50% of the total. Traffic-related injuries and fatalities represent the ninth leading cause of death or injury worldwide. Left unchecked, the expected doubling of vehicles globally will make traffic-related deaths and injuries the fifth leading cause by 2030. Significant, intentional and effective intervention by the public, private and civil society sectors is needed to slow the pace of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

“We are all pedestrians. When you think about it, every trip begins and ends on foot whether we drive, cycle or walk to our destinations”

In response to the risks to pedestrians worldwide, the World Health Organization has designated May 6-12 as Global Road Safety Week, focused on pedestrian safety. NETS supports this campaign and encourages all employers to participate in promoting pedestrian safety to employees, employees' families and within the communities where the employees live and work.

"We are all pedestrians. When you think about it, every trip begins and ends on foot whether we drive, cycle or walk to our destinations," said Sandra Lee, Director, Worldwide Fleet Safety, for Johnson & Johnson and NETS Chairperson. "There is no single measure to adequately address the range of risks to pedestrians across various settings. However, we can all play a role day to day. For example, Driving at safe speeds when we're the driver or staying focused on our environment and increasing our visibility to others when we're on foot are concrete actions that we can take to promote pedestrian safety. It's my hope that all employers recognize the importance of pedestrian safety and participate in Global Road Safety Week."

Visit the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration's website for more information from the World Health Organization on Global Road Safety Week and for a tool kit for engaging employees, employees' families and the communities where the employees live and work.