Felipe Massa, Formula-1 Ferrari driver

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, celebrated each year on 17 May, marks the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union in 1865. The theme for 2013 is ‘ICTs and Improving road safety’ According to the Report of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC), 1.3 million people die each year in traffic related accidents and another 20-50 million people are injured mainly in developing countries around the world. As a result, global economic loss is estimated at USD 518 billion. Technology-related driver distraction and road-user behaviour, which includes “text messaging” and interfacing with in-vehicle navigation or communication systems while driving, are among the leading contributors to road traffic fatalities and injuries. ITU looks towards its Members to harness the catalytic role of ICTs to enhance road safety and traffic management systems, eliminate unsafe technology-related distractions while driving, promote the development and use of safe user interfaces in vehicles and develop Intelligent Transport Systems to improve the safety, management and efficiency of terrestrial transport, while reducing its environmental impact.

17 May 2013