On February 24, 2026, Jean Todt, the United Nations Secretary-General‘s Special Envoy for Road Safety, launched the UN-JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety. The campaign aims to promote road safety awareness, introduce two new initiatives to make India’s roads safer, and implement a scheme to finance road safety projects. Legendary cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar will join as a Global Champion for Road Safety, amplifying the initiative’s impact across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
The launch builds on the Declaration of Marrakesh, signed 11 months ago, where UN Member States committed to accelerating the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety with the goal of halving road fatalities by 2030. This mission underscores the UN’s commitment to supporting India in fostering safer, more sustainable, and inclusive mobility.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Jean Todt detailed the objectives of the UN–JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety. He emphasized the importance of such campaigns, highlighted the economic costs of road accidents, and explained how raising awareness can prevent accidents and reduce fatalities. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling discussion.
Q: Can you provide more details about the UN–JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety?
A: Our UN-JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety will reach 70–80 countries. This awareness initiative features celebrities and influencers who advocate for safe driving practices. They emphasize buckling seat belts in both front and rear seats, wearing proper helmets, obeying speed limits, avoiding alcohol and drug use while driving, and minimizing distractions behind the wheel. By combining star power with practical safety messages, the campaign aims to inspire responsible behaviour on roads worldwide.
Q: Why is a campaign of this nature important, especially for a country like India?
A: To reduce road accident fatalities, we must actively promote awareness campaigns. These campaigns are crucial for saving lives and preventing injuries on our roads.
Road crashes have become a silent pandemic worldwide. In India, they claim thousands of lives each year, leaving lasting impacts on families and communities. As mobility grows rapidly across the nation, collective action on road safety can significantly reduce the number of victims.
Road traffic crashes remain a major public health concern in India, claiming an estimated 153,972 lives annually and a death rate of 15.4 per 100,000 people. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a large share of these fatalities.
Q: What is the economic impact of road accidents on countries?
A: Road traffic crashes have a significant impact on a country’s GDP. According to World Bank data, they reduce India’s GDP by 7%, a staggering figure. It is crucial for people to understand the economic burden that road accidents impose.
Q: How can raising awareness play a key role in preventing road accidents and reducing their overall numbers?
A: Awareness campaigns on road safety play a critical role in educating people about the consequences of accidents. To prevent crashes, it is essential to highlight the impact of road accidents. These campaigns focus on five key areas: education, law enforcement, vehicle quality, road infrastructure, and post-crash care. By emphasizing that roads are inherently dangerous, we aim to make people realize the urgency, every day, 600 people die on India’s roads. Such campaigns not only sensitize the public but also deepen their understanding of the human and economic costs of accidents.
