In his speech, Todt drew attention to the tragic numbers involved – 1.25 million deaths each year on the roads (over 3,300 in Italy alone). These figures reflect the fact that road fatalities are now among the ten most common causes of death in the world and the major cause for young people aged between 15 and 29. It means that road safety is one of the leading health and development challenges globally. On this topic, Todt reaffirmed that improving road safety is an important priority of the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals.

“It is not just about the figures and the long term goals. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is there to remind us that we must do our utmost to get better results and, actually, I believe that we can do it,” concluded Todt. “Unlike many other illnesses, in this case, we do have the vaccine: stronger laws, enforcement of those laws, education, improved infrastructure, safer vehicles and better post-crash care. We should never forget that one death on the roads is one too many.”

Also speaking at the City Council meeting were the Mayor of Turin, Chiara Appendino and the President of the Italian Automobile Club, Angelo Sticchi Damiani.