About 1.3 million people die on the world's roads and 20 - 50 million are injured every year. Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death among all age groups and the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.

The risk of dying in a road traffic crash is more than 3 times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries.

This fact file presents data from WHO's most recent Global health estimates and the Global status report on road safety.  Millions of lives can be saved and injuries prevented with well-enforced road safety laws on speeding, drinking and driving, and use of seatbelts, child restraints and motorcycle helmets. Road design, improved vehicle standards and better emergency care also save many lives