UEFA will use the international appeal of its club competition finals to highlight the UN's new global campaign for road safety, which aims to halve the number of traffic deaths worldwide by 2030.
An estimated 1.35 million people die on the world's roads each year, with more than 600 children and young people losing their life in traffic accidents every day.
The new UN campaign, which is part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, is led by UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, and supported by leading figures including UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA Champions League winner Didier Drogba and Barcelona and France forward Ousmane Dembélé.
"I am happy that our friends from UEFA join the new United Nations road safety campaign. Football is an accelerator of change and a key means to reach out to young people, who unfortunately are the first victims on the roads. Through this partnership, we’ll work together to bring positive change for all road users", said Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety.
“We are pleased to join forces with the United Nations to highlight the important issue of road safety. Millions of people drive to football matches and practices across Europe and beyond each day, whether as players, coaches, volunteers, fans or parents and family supporting their children. By taking action in line with the UN’s recommendations, the football community can all help to save lives and contribute to a safer society”, declared Michele Uva, UEFA director for Social & Environmental Sustainability.
UEFA and its partners will use the global visibility of its finals, which see Sevilla face Roma in the Europa League final in Budapest on 31 May, and Fiorentina meet West Ham United in the Europa Conference League final in Prague on 7 June, to raise awareness of the issue and promote road safety around the world.
Between now and 2025, the campaign will be displayed on billboards and in public areas in 80 countries worldwide, encouraging road users to adopt simple and efficient rules to stay safe on the road.
Six actions that can make a difference on the road
• Speed limitation
• Wearing a seatbelt
Reduces the risk of deaths among drivers and front seat occupants by 45-50% and the risk of death and serious injuries among rear seat occupants by 25%.
• The use of child restraints
Can lead to a 60% reduction in deaths
• Correct helmet use
Can lead to a 69% reduction in the risk of injuries
• Don’t drive under influence
Alcohol or drugs increase the risk of a car crash that results in deaths or serious injuries
• Avoid distracted driving
Drivers using phones are approximately 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash
Note to Editors
UNECE is the custodian of the United Nations road safety legal instruments applicable worldwide. It hosts the secretariat of the Special Envoy for Road Safety and of the UN Road Safety Fund.