All over the world, More than 186,000 children die each year in traffic accidents, a figure that represents more than 500 children per day. It is in low and middle income countries where children are most exposed to die in a traffic accident, there are up to 95% of deaths of this type.
That is why the United Nations has been emphasizing the importance of Road Safety for a few years, for example celebrating a World Week dedicated to this issue. It was a few weeks ago, but it's always important to highlight the danger that children run on the roads and take steps to improve your security and in that regard, I would like to share today the "Children's Declaration for Road Safety".
A statement put in the mouth of the little ones, in which they go to the authorities to ask them for more safety when going to school, that the vehicles are safe and have belts, that the helmet be used ... In short, measures that can save not one or two, but many lives a day.
But remember that not only policy makers, legislators ... are those involved. NWe as drivers and as parents must be aware of the importance of road safety and to drive and take our children in vehicles safely for ourselves and others.
Why do thousands of children die and are injured on the roads of the world every day? Because not enough is being done. You, our leaders, have to listen to us and act. We are children. We may have something to say in the future, but right now we depend on your help. It is necessary to act as soon as possible or many children will not have the opportunity to grow old and make their voices heard. And this is where you, our leaders and other adults, can help us by joining this call to action to ensure that all children can move safely. We all deserve to be safe when we go and return from school. Roads have to be safe so that children can walk to school. We want safe roads and safe bike paths, we want speed regulators to make traffic slower, and we want safe crossings so that we can receive an education without fear and without being injured. We want all vehicles that transport children, worldwide, to be safe. In all cars and buses there must be seat belts. When children travel with adults on motorcycles and scooters, they must wear a helmet that protects them. We know that wearing a helmet or a seat belt can save lives. Drinking alcohol and driving is dangerous. Driving too fast is dangerous. People who transport children should not do those things, nobody should do it. The police have to do more to protect us and have to stop people who go too fast or drink alcohol while driving. We have to be protected at all times: when we go out with our families, when we go to play or when we go to school. Laws have to be made, voices have to be heard and actions must be taken to ensure that roads are safe for children, all over the world. So we call on you, world leaders, to include actions against road deaths in the new goals for global development. No matter where we live, we want and hope there is road safety for our friends, our families and for ourselves. We are only children and our voices are not always heard. That is why we need you to help us, acting. If you give us safe roads now, we can be and will be a good example for generations to come. Please listen to us and act. Let's save our children.
