afrol News, 17 June - South Africa and Egypt have recorded more deaths on the roads in Africa, the global study on road safety, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed.

Half of the 1,270,000 people who die each year in the world's roads are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, the new report said, also stating that while progress has been made in protecting passengers in cars, they still remain highly vulnerable groups among the road users.

The report also assesses the security measures that have been implemented in the 178 countries to reduce traffic accidents. These include reducing the speed-limit, decreasing numbers of drunk drivers, the mandatory use of seat belts and child seats, and the use of helmets by motorcyclists.

Traffic accidents, according to the study, are the leading cause of death among persons between 5 and 44 years.

The report said 62 percent of fatal accidents are recorded in India, China, United States, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa and Egypt. It further noted that countries with less traffic accidents are the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

According to WHO, Mozambique has a higher average, with 68 percent of all its deaths on the roads.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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