As you get off work at 5pm, the thought of navigating traffic in a bustling city like Bangkok can feel unbearable. A quick check on your ride-hailing app shows that a motorbike taxi could cut the trip and fare in half. 

But there is a catch: you forgot your helmet at home. Would you still get on? The answer must be NO, because the helmet is not just an accessory; it is a lifesaver.

Did you know that 59 per cent of global road traffic deaths take place in the Asia-Pacific region? This outsized toll disproportionately affects vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Yet, small actions and simple choices can save lives. Wearing that helmet, using a seatbelt or slowing down can mean the difference between life and death. Case in point: Motorcycle helmets can reduce the risk of death by 41 per cent.

A helmet, a crosswalk, a law: Saving lives with small changes

Speeding is one of the top causes of road injuries and fatalities. While a driver’s license is often looked at as just a piece of documentation, it should mean that you’re truly road-ready and committed to safety.

In the Philippines, efforts are underway to make roads safer by promoting responsible driving, raising awareness of speed-related risks and improving enforcement.  

Meanwhile, Nepal is working to strengthen national road safety management systems, laying the foundation for better governance. The initiative involves building national capacity and creating an environment for safer transportation, all while enhancing public knowledge and awareness about road safety management.

Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are working with the UN to redesign road infrastructure with people in mind. The project integrates inclusive design principles to protect vulnerable users such as children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

These changes set a new precedent: streets should serve people first, not just vehicles. When national plans and policies are backed up by individual accountability, lives are saved. 

Gearing up for safety

South-East Asia reports some of the highest rates of road traffic deaths involving motorized two- and three-wheelers. In Thailand, for example, motorcyclists are between 9 to 30 times more likely to be killed than car drivers per kilometer traveled.

To address this crisis, new national initiatives are underway to examine the root causes of motorcycle-related crashes and craft policies that put rider safety at the forefront.

For many children, getting to school still means sharing roads with fast-moving vehicles or walking without pavements. In Viet Nam, the government recently launched a programme to improve road safety around schools. Evidence is being gathered to assess risks in school zones, with model zones piloted in selected provinces. These efforts aim to foster a culture of road safety among both drivers and children.

Behind every statistic is a story

Across Asia and the Pacific, governments have pledged to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Many are on the right track: since 2016, most middle-income countries in the region have recorded declines in road fatalities.

These are not just isolated wins. They prove that with the right policies, community engagement and political will, meaningful change is possible. 

Because in the end, road safety isn’t just about infrastructure or enforcement – it is personal. And no one should risk their life just by crossing the street or getting into a vehicle.