2004 World Health Day Focuses on Road Safety, Announces Pennsylvania AAA Federation

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 1 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) will celebrate Wednesday, April 7th as World Health Day to raise awareness of a specific health issue. For the first time since the initial World Health Day in 1948, the WHO has selected Road Safety as the theme for this year's observance.

In recognition of the health risk posed by highway crashes, the Pennsylvania Legislature's transportation leaders have declared April 7th as World Health Day in Pennsylvania with Resolutions in the Senate offered by Senators Roger Madigan (R-Bradford) and J. Barry Stout (D-Allegheny), and in the House of Representatives by Representatives Rick Geist (R-Blair) and Keith McCall (D-Carbon).

"Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of all ages in the United States," said Ted Leonard of the Pennsylvania AAA Federation. "Each year, over 1,500 people lose their lives in traffic crashes in Pennsylvania." The state's fatality rate for each 100 million vehicle miles traveled is 1.49 fatalities; just below the national average of 1.51 fatalities.

"In looking at the state's traffic fatality numbers, two obvious problems stand out," said Leonard, "alcohol and seat belts; driving while using the first, and not using the second.

"Of the total crash fatalities in Pennsylvania, 43 percent are alcohol- related. Of all highway crash fatalities in the state, only 32 percent were wearing seat belts. Pennsylvania's seat belt use rate stands at about 71 percent, compared to the national average of 73 percent. Unfortunately, teen drivers -- the age group with the highest accident rate -- have the lowest rate of seat belt use. Almost 600 people a year could be saved in crashes if everyone was properly restrained in the vehicle," said Leonard. "Although alcohol-related traffic fatalities have declined in Pennsylvania over the past decade, they are still too frequent," noted Leonard.

"AAA and other safety organizations greatly appreciate the state lawmakers' recognition, on this World Health Day, of the need to improve road safety," and, added Leonard, "We urge motorists to always drive safely, use seat belts and obey traffic rules."