The other pandemic

Death is just around the corner. Or the next curve. Accidents are the biggest threat we face every day. Speeding, alcohol, reckless, clumsy maneuvers. Do not use a helmet or a seat belt again ... The reasons are always the same.

A few days ago, four young people between 13 and 18 years were killed in an accident near Rancagua when the vehicle they were traveling, driven by the teenager of 15 years, who was drunk and was seriously injured, struck violently against the wall. Tragedy, shock, indictments, trial testimony and his father, who try in vain to find an explanation that is true, he and his son.

They are not the only nor the last. World Health Organization (WHO) has published the first time! a report on traffic accidents. The result is devastating. Because each year more than 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injured. They are one of the three leading causes of death from 5 to 44 years and adolescents are the most affected.

According to WHO, unless action is taken immediately, traffic accidents can be the fifth leading cause of death in 2030 the world's 2.4 million victims annually. And that there is no pandemic vaccine or antiviral our savior.

Chile, the government has proposed introducing a system of points and reducing the rates of alcohol drivers are allowed. Currently the breath marks between 0.5 and 0.99 grams of alcohol per liter of blood is considered driving under the influence of alcohol. "A bit vague term. What affects us all equally? More than one gram per liter of blood is defined as" a state of intoxication. "This sounds more clear.

The bill discussed in parliament, but the drop in the ocean compared with the conclusions of the WHO Director General Margaret Chan (...) Prevention is by far the best and only solution, if we are to build safer vehicles, roads less dangerous to the proposed infrastructure is designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, to improve public transport and a more responsible drivers , fewer accidents and victims. (...)

Other findings of the WHO global survey, it is worth to know:
Less than half the countries in the legal blood alcohol content is less than 0.5 grams per liter of blood. And only 11% was set lower than the young and novice drivers.

-More than 90% of the fatalities occur in developed countries and developing countries (Chile), and that they have less than half of the global auto fleet.

-Use of seat belts is compulsory in only 38% in developing countries.

-46% Of victims are pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
In barely 29% of the maximum speed allowed is 50km/ho at least the city, which is a major risk factor for injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

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