Launching the 4th Global UN Road safety week

Launching the 4th Global UN Road safety week

Overview

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!

Related Links

Related activities

Keeping safe on Myanmar roads

Keeping safe on Myanmar roads

Overview

Road crashes are major causes of deaths in Myanmar. From 2013 to 2015, number of road deaths increased rapidly from 2,464 to 3,612. The WHO estimated Myanmar road death rates, increased from 15 to as high as 20.3 per 100,000 Pop., a jump from the 6th to 2nd rank within its WHO Region.

Safer vehicles:

  • Checking of tyres to ensure no signs of wear, damage, bulges, or tread separation;
  • The tyre inflation pressure should be as recommended by the manual;
  • Replacing bald and over 5 –year old tyres;
  • Not to overload vehicles;
  • Have the garage check for vehicle safety functions before distant trip and check again the lights and brakes right before the trips.


Safer roads:

  • Avoid roads under constructions or with bad conditions. Report to the concerned when there is dangerous road condition.
 

 

Key facts

Safer road rules:

  • Drive within speed limit (urban 48, rural 80, expressway 100 Km/hr.). Keep the speed below 60 Km/hr. while raining.
  • Do not drive drunk, tired/sleepy or under the influence of drugs or medicine.
  • Do not talk or text on mobile phone while driving.
  • Seatbelts must be fastened by all occupants.
  • All motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear standard quality helmets.