Freedom to move:A matter of life and death

 Cars are a passion for people all over the world. They are a symbol of freedom and progress. The ability to move is crucial in every aspect of life and certainly ably the reason why the wheel was invented in the first place. Mobility is also one of the most important drivers of economic growth and prosperity. But the relationship between mobility and prosperity is reversible, too.

 Increased traffic

The statistics clearly show that economic growth also leads to increased traffic. What happens when traffic increases is well known: congestion, pollution, climate change and, last but not least, death and serious injury. The statistics make truly painful reading.

 Higher death tolls

Every year, more than 1 million people die in traffic-related accidents around the world. Today, road traffic is the 9th biggest cause of death worldwide. By 2030, the rise in vehicle ownership and use will see road traffic become the 5th largest cause of death, claiming more victims globally than AIDS and tuberculosis. For people aged between 15 and 29, road traffic accidents are already the most common way to die.

 No more acceptance

We know that road traffic is a deadly and daily threat. Why, then, do we not do more to counter it? For some reason we seem to be more accepting of fatalities on the roads. Would you get on a plane if you knew the risks were the same as on the road? Probably not. Some might argue this is the price we have to pay for mobility and freedom. We think not. There can be no moral justification for the death of one single person. You should be able to move freely - and feel safe at the same time. This is what the Vision Zero Initiative is all about.

Vision Zero initiative- Sweden