Every year worldwide, nearly 1.2 million people die in motor vehicle crashes and an estimated 10 to 15 million people are injured. In response to the staggering number of traffic related fatalities and injuries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme of “Road Safety” for World Health Day 2004. On April 7, 2004, organizations all over the world will raise awareness about traffic injuries and deaths. AAA Foundation invites you to join the effort by always wearing a seat belt, obeying traffic laws, avoiding distracted driving, and knowing your personal driving limitations.

Efforts to encourage individuals and organizations throughout the world to advocate for increased and sustained action in policy, programs, funding and research focusing on traffic safety will be launched on World Health Day, April 7, 2004, and continue throughout the year.

AAA Foundation and AAA will join local, national and international organizations in emphasizing the importance of safety belt use for World Health Day. Proven to reduce the risk of being killed in a car crash by at least 45%, seat belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of death in a crash. Research shows that in the U.S. they have saved approximately 135,000 lives and prevented 3.8 million injuries in the last 26 years.