Launching the 4th Global UN Road safety week

The Fourth UN Global Road Safety Week, 8-14 May 2017 was celebrated worldwide. It highlighted managing speed with the slogan: Save Lives: #SlowDown. WHO’s technical information was used as follow:

• Managing speed, highlighting proven interventions to address this major risk for road traffic death and injury
• UN road safety week www.unroadsafetyweek.org/en/home, featuring solutions, stories, news and more

In Myanmar, the fourth Global UN Road safety week was officially launched on 8th May 2017 in Naypyidaw, emphasizing the significance of “managing speed”. A national multisectoral road safety workshop was held, by the partners of the Ministry of Health and Sports (MoHS), the Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD), the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), with technical and financial support from WHO. It was a great opportunity for the national multisectoral team to learn, meet and discuss road safety issues and find ways to expedite the current Myanmar National Road Safety Action Plan 2014-2020.

Road safety programme contributes to the targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 3.6 Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents, and Goal 11. Make cities and human settlement and inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

All road users can contribute to road safety by driving within speed limit; using standard quality helmets whenever riding on bicycle and motorcycles; not driving while fatigue or sleepy or under the influence of alcohol/drugs; always wearing seatbelts and children have to use child restraint (safety seat in the car) or if not yet available, make sure they always sit in the back seat of the car. Do not use mobile phone while driving. Before driving, always check brake, tires and lighting system. Drivers must always give way to pedestrian crossing the roads and should avoid the road under construction. Cheers! For the lives we will save!