According to a recent article in USA Today, an American traveler dies in a car crash on foreign roads every 36 hours on average. The publication analyzed State Department data from January 1, 2003 and June 2010. Nationality aside, someone is injured or killed every six seconds on the roads of the world, according to global safety initiative Make Roads Safe.
The World Health Organization warns that the number of people internationally who die each year in traffic accidents will rise from 1.3 million to 2.4 million by 2030 unless actions are taken to make roads safer.
That’s why the General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 2011-2020 as the Decade of Actions for Road Safety. A global plan to reduce the number of car crashes internationally is anticipated to be unveiled next May. The doctor who’s in charge of developing the plan says will focus on boosting safety in low- and middle-income countries.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans who are injured overseas seek medical attention immediately and contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate if needed.
Source: U.S. traveler dies on foreign road every 36 hours on average, USA Today, October 22, 2010
Contact a Boston car crash attorney if you have been injured on the road and would like to discuss your legal options.