Even in countries where private car ownership is relatively low, there are thousands of victims of road traffic accidents every year. That is the case in Ethiopia, a fact highlighted by Todt yesterday, when he met the country’s President, Mulatu Teshome in Addis Ababa, who signed the board in support of the “Save Kids Lives” campaign. “There are on average 30,000 deaths and an even higher number of injuries per year, (Source WHO; Editors note)” said Todt, with reference to the meeting citing an estimation from Word Health Organization.  “That is equivalent to one percent of the GDP (according to the 2008 United Nations Economic Commission for Africa report; Editor’s note,) a very high price to pay for a developing nation like Ethiopia.”

Apart from meeting the Head of State, Todt’s visit to the Ethiopian capital, which ends tomorrow, also took in discussions with members of the Ethiopian government  to look at topics relating to road safety. “We want to promote safe driving on open roads, ensure the police are enforcing traffic rules, instill values such as discipline, proper training, good education on the road and in case of accidents a proper post-crash service” – concluded the FIA President.