UN special envoy calls road traffic crashes a ‘silent pandemic’, urges global action

The United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, has raised alarm over the rising tide of road traffic crashes worldwide, describing the menace as a “silent pandemic” that requires urgent, coordinated action.

Mr Todt made the remarks on Thursday during an official visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed.

According to the UN envoy, road traffic crashes claim more than 1.2 million lives annually, with millions of others sustaining severe, often life-changing injuries. He warned that unless governments and institutions intensify interventions, the numbers would continue to rise.

“The scale of road traffic crashes across the globe is nothing short of catastrophic. This is a silent pandemic that continues to claim lives daily, and unless governments, institutions, and individuals take decisive action, the numbers will only rise,” Mr Todt stated.

He emphasised the adoption of the Safe System Approach, which promotes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, high quality roads, safer vehicles, post-crash care, and sustained public education. Todt also urged a cultural shift among road users, saying disregard for traffic rules remains a key driver of needless deaths and injuries.

While commending the FRSC for its achievements and global participation in road safety initiatives, Mr Todt maintained that more work still lies ahead. He called on policymakers, transport unions, and individual motorists to take collective responsibility in reducing fatalities.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, in his response, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing road safety in line with international standards. He noted that the FRSC’s unique blend of legislation, enforcement, and education has positioned the agency as one of the most proactive road safety institutions globally.

“FRSC remains resolute in driving Nigeria’s road safety agenda. We will continue to intensify collaboration with both local and international partners to achieve safer roads for all,” Mr Mohammed assured.

The visit comes as part of ongoing global efforts under the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which seeks to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030.