World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

• World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is 15 November, 2015.
• Road accidents are one of the top five causes of medical evacuations led by International SOS.¹
• Only 23% of travellers consider road conditions at destination prior to travelling abroad.²       
• International SOS Foundation and Global Road Safety Partnership created free Road Safety Tips for Travellers pocket guide. 

Road accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for employees travelling and working abroad. Medical and travel security services company, International SOS, reports that road accidents are one of the top five causes of the medical evacuations it oversees. 

To help educate travellers and expatriates, the International SOS Foundation, together with the Global Road Safety Partnership, created a free pocket guide, Road Safety Tips for Travellers. The guide provides reminders and best practices for road safety, particularly for people in unfamiliar locations.  

A recent global study found that only 23% of travellers consider road conditions at destination prior to travelling abroad. International Travel: Risks and Reality, conducted by global market research company Ipsos, concluded that the dangers of roads and traffic were notably under-represented in the overall list of preparations compared to actual probabilities of occurrence.  

Laurent Fourier, Director of the International SOS Foundation, says: 
“The Road Safety pocket guide was developed to bring road safety to the forefront of a traveller’s mind. Because road travel is such a common everyday activity, there is a tendency to underestimate the risks involved.” 

Michael Chippendale, Programme Manager for the Global Road Safety Partnership, adds: 
“Road safety isn’t just about being a safer driver. Sometimes, the safest option is not to drive at all. If you’re not familiar with an area, you may be better off arranging transportation with a trusted and vetted provider. Pre-trip research is vital however, as some coach or bus operators may not meet international safety standards.”

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year to remember the many millions killed and injured on the world’s roads. 

Download a free copy of Road Safety Tips for Travellers here. 

Notes for Editors 

1. 2014 International SOS data. 

2. International Travel: Risks and Reality is an Ipsos Global advisor research study conducted among 10,726 people in 13 countries, including 2,391 senior executives.  Research was conducted online using representative panels in the period September 25th to October 9th 2015. Data is weighted to be representative of the online population in each country using variables such as gender, age, education or region, depending on country. Penetrations of online access vary substantially between countries. The survey asks respondents about international travel preparation and medical and personal safety issues experienced abroad. Percentages in the report are based on either the proportion who travel abroad (7,633 people) or those who have previously travelled abroad (7,663 people).

About the Global Road Safety Partnership

The non-profit Global Road Safety Partnership, (www.grsproadsafety.org) was formed in 1999 and its members are leading multi- and bi-lateral development agencies, governments, businesses and civil society organisations. Hosted by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the GRSP creates and supports multi-sector road safety partnerships that are actively engaged with front-line road safety good practice in many countries around the world. GRSP is also engaged globally in road safety advocacy programmes and is a recognised expert source of road safety knowledge and good practice.

About International SOS Foundation

Established in 2011, the International SOS Foundation ― Ambassadors for Duty of Care www.internationalsosfoundation.org – has the goal of improving the safety, security, health and welfare of people working abroad or on remote assignments through the study, understanding and mitigation of potential risks. The escalation of globalisation has enabled more individuals to work across borders and in unfamiliar environments; exposure to risks which can impact personal health, security and safety increases along with travel.

The Foundation is a registered charity and was started with a grant from International SOS. It is a fully independent, non-profit organisation.

For more information on Duty of Care and the International SOS Foundation, please visit http://www.internationalsosfoundation.org/

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.

 

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.   

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com