The Fund was unveiled last week (12 April) and aims to prevent road traffic accidents. UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) estimates that every $1,500 contributed to the Road Safety Trust Fund could save one life, prevent ten serious injuries and lead to a further $51,000 of road safety investment.
An estimated 1.25 million people are killed every year in road traffic crashes, and up to 50 million more are injured. UNECE says that while road safety is gaining increasing recognition, efforts have not been adequately funded at any level to meet its target of halving road traffic deaths by 2020.
“Through today’s commitment, we are expressing, alongside the others who will join us, our belief that accidents do not have to happen,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Total’s chairman and CEO.
“Awareness, education and improving standards are the keys to change. The United Nations Road Safety Fund is a response to this challenge that concerns all human beings all over the world.”