"Road traffic injuries hit the most deprived communities the hardest. In the UK, the poorest children are five times more likely to die on our roads than the better off. And this picture is replicated around the globe. Each year more than one million people die world wide as the result of road crashes and collisions. And 50 million more are injured. So the scale of the problem is hard to over estimate By 2020 road injuries could overtake HIV and tuberculosis to rank third in the causes of premature death and disability around the world." Running time 2:26
President George W. Bush, United States of America
"Today the death toll from traffic injuries is highest in developing countries and it continues to grown as nations become more prosperous and motorized. In the United States, traffic accidents remain the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 35." Running time 1:34
(Slovenian translated into English) "Each life is precious. Road accidents have destructive personal consequences on the victims, families and communities and have, as consequence, significant negative social ramifications. This is why we should spare no effort to achieve even more in the area of road safety." Running time 2:09
"We must not accept road traffic accident as an inevitable side effect of development. Leaving the issue of traffic problems to any single body is unthinkable. The road transport authority, police, health and law professionals, insurance companies etc. should forge a strong sense of cooperation and work in unison towards the realization of safer streets. World health day 2004 on road safety is what our country Ethiopia needs. The country will use this day to promote and ensure use of seat belts, action against speeding motorists and those driving under the influence of alcohol." Running time 6:54
President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
"The theme “Road Safety is no accident" is relevant to both developed and developing countries. The challenge for Timor Leste, which is also a challenge to all countries, is to have a strong and sustained political will to make the road an environment that is safe for all. My vision is for roads that are well built and designed; roads with responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians: roads with road worthy vehicles; roads without accidents and ultimately, roads occupied by happy, smiling and healthy people of all nations." Running time 4:44
His Excellency General Mathieu KEREKOU, Republic of Benin
The rise in the number of road-traffic injuries is a growing phenomenon on account of the heavy use of motor vehicles for land transport where, in response to a soaring population, the transport needs of the so-called "developing countries" are increasing day by day. Road traffic injuries are no accident. They are the result of an adverse combination of factors involving the environment, vehicles and human behaviour. This explains the importance of consciousness-raising, education and training for all categories of road user throughout the world. Lastly, by combining efforts, exchanging experience and pooling knowledge it will be possible efficaciously to control road-traffic injuries. Running time 15:07; French
"Improving road safety worldwide is a shared responsibility, calling for a strong commitment at all levels, political and administrative, national and international, regional and local authorities, private companies and last but not least individual citizens." Running time 1:16
His Majesty Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King of Nepal
"As road traffic injuries remain amongst the top global causes of death, transcending all boundaries and nationalities, it is time for this issue to be addressed in a global way. Statistics show that the highest number of road fatalities and disabilities take place in the developing countries of Asia, where pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and public transport users are most vulnerable." Running time 3:43
"Effective and sustainable prevention of road traffic injuries can only be achieved through concerted multisectoral collaboration. In Thailand, road traffic accident is one of the important health problems, which has caused significant economic and social losses. Such a problem has always been one of the top three serious health problems, in terms of burden of disease. It has been estimated that over 30% of inpatient beds of the hospitals under the Thai Ministry of Public Health are occupied by road traffic accident victims, who usually require more bed-days than other categories of inpatients. And each year, due to these kind of accidents, there are more than 13,000 deaths, more than one million injuries, and tens of thousands of disabilities." Running time 3:54
