Up to 40,000 Latin American lives could be saved and 400,000 serious injuries prevented by 2030, if UN vehicle safety regulations were applied by four key countries in the region, according to a new report commissioned by Global NCAP and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The independent study, conducted by the UK Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), was carried out to predict how many car user deaths and injuries could be prevented in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Brazil, by establishing minimum car safety regulations and consumer testing. The major regulations that were considered were United Nations (UN) Regulations No. 14, 16 (seat belts and anchorages), 94 (occupant protection in frontal collision) and 95 (occupant protection in side or lateral collisions).
The study concluded that up to 40,000 car occupant fatalities and 400,000 serious injuries could be prevented between 2016 and 2030, if minimum vehicle safety standards were applied. Economic assessment suggests that these casualty reductions could save up to 143 billion US dollars over the period 2016 to 2030.
The findings of the study were closely aligned with the policy recommendations adopted by the United Nations and consistent with Global NCAP’s recommended ‘Road Map 2020 for Safer Cars’.
David Ward, Global NCAP Secretary General said: “This report confirms the huge reduction in deaths and serious injuries that can be achieved in Latin America by applying the UN’s minimum crash test standards. It also shows that better regulation will also save at least $143 billion in social costs. That is why we want to see all Latin America applying these UN standards as soon as possible.â€
MarÃa Fernanda RodrÃguez, Latin NCAP President said: “This report makes the case for the UN regulations to be implemented in the Latin American region. We know manufacturers are capable but unwilling, governments must act now in order to save lives of their citizens who deserve the same levels of protection as North Americans and Europeans.â€
Click here to view the report.
