Legal news for New York Motor Vehicle Accident attorneys— Mayor Bloomberg donates millions to support traffic safety in developing countries.
New York City, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – New York City Mayor Bloomberg has given $125 million to decrease the number of traffic-related fatalities in growing countries Wednesday, November 18, 2009, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The program with a focus on a number of developing countries such as Brazil, China, Mexico, Russia, India along with others, who account for 48% of global traffic accident-related fatalities.
Mayor Bloomberg’s donation is the largest financial contribution in history to help decrease traffic accidents, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO commented on the generous donation stating that “It will finally put road safety on the same level with other leading causes of death…and allow us to set up large prevention programs,” said Etienne Krug, WHO’s director of violence and injury prevention and disability.
Traffic accidents are the 10th leading cause of fatalities across the world causing as many as 50 million non-fatal injuries annually. Bloomberg’s donation will reportedly fund six organizations over a five year period to enforce traffic safety laws, train police, improve standing infrastructures, and perform a road safety evaluation in 10 countries. Statistically, more than 90 percent of road-related deaths take place in countries with low to middle incomes that have less than half the vehicles in the world.
Half of the deaths that occurred are motorcyclist, pedestrians, and cyclist, according to the WHO. While only 15 percent of countries across the globe have enforced laws for traffic safety that require seat belts, child restraints, and speed limits, economic growth continues to bring in more roads and cars to each country. A Road safety conference was held in Moscow with 70 ministers of transport and health on Thursday and Friday. The generous donation was made through Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bridget Hom
www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com