Introduction
The Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020) was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 64/255 (2010) to accelerate coordinated international action aimed at reducing the number of deaths due to road traffic injuries. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has recently reiterated this priority by setting a target for 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2020.
The Decade of Action provides a framework for key activities that governments, international agencies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders can use to guide their efforts, see http://www.who.int/roadsafety/decade_of_ action/en/. Central to the framework are five “pillars” that address a range of road safety aspects, including vehicles, roads and road users.
This document addresses pillar 5: the post-crash response.
Survivors and families affected by road traffic crashes have a range of physical, psychological nd legal needs. Consequences of crashes may include physical injuries and resulting disability, psychological trauma that can impair reintegration into work and family life, and a range of economic and legal sequelae. A broad and integrated approach to support can mitigate the short and long-term effects of experiencing a crash and can help those affected return to function and independence at home and at work. An effective post-crash response requires integration of injury care, mental health services, legal support and legislation, and data on crashes and injuries.
