UN vehicle regulations can save more than 440,000 deaths in Latin America

A new report commissioned by Global NCAP and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) reveals that 40,000 Latin American lives could be saved and 400,000 serious injuries prevented by 2030, if UN vehicle safety regulations were applied by four key countries in the region.

The UK Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) conducted the independent study and its findings are closely aligned with the policy recommendations adopted by the United Nations and consistent with Global NCAP’s recommended ‘Road Map 2020 for Safer Cars’.

The aim of the study was to predict how many car user deaths and injuries could be prevented in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Brazil, by establishing minimum car safety regulations and consumer testing. The major regulations that were considered were United Nations (UN) Regulations No. 14, 16 (seat belts and anchorages), 94 (occupant protection in frontal collision) and 95 (occupant protection in side or lateral collisions).

The study concludes that up to 40,000 car occupant fatalities and 400,000 serious injuries could be prevented between 2016 and 2030, if minimum vehicle safety standards were applied. Economic assessment suggests that these casualty reductions could save up to US$ 143 billion (Rs 956,320 crore) over the period 2016 to 2030.

Commenting on the study, David Ward, secretary general, Global NCAP said: “This report confirms the huge reduction in deaths and serious injuries that can be achieved in Latin America by applying the UN’s minimum crash test standards. It also shows that better regulation will also save at least US$ 143 billion in social costs. That is why we want to see all Latin American applying these UN standards as soon as possible.”

Dalve Soria Alves, Senior Transport Specialist/IDB Coordinator for Road Safety, IDB said: “Some Latin American countries have started the legislative process and are now applying some standards that are similar to the EU and other industrialised regions, but there is still a significant gap between the regulated vehicle safety standards in the industrialised regions and Latin America. In particular, frontal and side impact tests meeting UN Regulations 94 and 95 should be mandated and applied to all new cars sold across the whole Latin American region as soon as practicable. This report shows the enormous lifesaving potential of vehicle regulations, the IDB urges all governments across the region to implement them without delay.”

María Fernanda Rodríguez, president, Latin NCAP, also commented: “This report makes the case for the UN regulations to be implemented in the Latin American region. We know manufacturers are capable but unwilling, governments must act now in order to save lives of their citizens who deserve the same levels of protection as North Americans and Europeans.”

Richard Cuerden, Chief Scientist , TRL summed up: “There is an urgent need to adopt proven, well established and cost effective UN car secondary safety regulations in Latin America. Such vehicle safety standards have been in force in the EU for decades and would prevent the needless deaths and injuries of hundreds of thousands of people. Establishing a more common and equitable protection in the event of a collision, for all car users, regardless of world region, would be a big leap forward in democratising vehicle safety for all.”

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