The Third UN Global Road Safety Week has kicked-off in Russia and other countries. It was initiated by the United Nations. Road trauma is a challenge in every country. Every year, road accidents kill over 1 million people and over 20 million people suffer injuries worldwide.

It is especially deplorable when children are the victims of such accidents. That’s why this Global Week is dedicated to the safety of the younger generation, and is being held under the motto: SaveKidsLives. 

Our children should be able to go to school safely, and use safe pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes; and this depends on us, adults, those who drive cars, who build roads and pavements, who equip intersections with lights and zebras and who produce high-visibility clothing and footwear. Parents and teachers, representatives of public organisations and media outlets should be involved in these efforts. Jointly with road police, they should inform pupils on the rules of behaviour on roads, and to demonstrate, through personal example, the importance of observing these rules.

I believe that the Global Road Safety Week will draw the attention of the public at large to all these current issues and will contribute to improving the situation on Russian roads and reducing the level of injuries, primarily among young people.

I wish you success and all the best.

Dmitry Medvedev