The scale of the problem is reflected in figures that remain far too high. The latest Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization estimates that deaths from road traffic accidents are around 1.19 million per year. Although the data shows signs of a slight decline globally, a bad piece of news is that road injuries remain among the leading causes of mortality among young people and children.
Figures for Europe and Latin America
In the European context, statistics reveal a total of 19,940 fatalities on the roads during 2024. This represents some improvement, although still insufficient regarding the goal of halving serious deaths and injuries by 2030. In Spain, the Directorate General of Traffic presents in its latest annual report a figure of 1,785 fatalities, which represents a slight decrease compared to 2023.
In Latin America, road accidents stand out with one of the highest mortality rates per capita. In fact, the Pan American Health Organization states that they account for 12% of traffic accident fatalities worldwide, and various bodies in the region are pushing to promote a comprehensive approach. The aim is to achieve safer urban design, implement speed controls, and strengthen the emergency response model, among other measures.
Contribution of insurance
Precisely, by its very nature and at an international level, the insurance industry can be one of the levers to turn the situation around. Insurance companies not only compensate losses, but also promote measures that go beyond compensation payments, as we will see below.
- Road safety campaigns and accident prevention. The WHO report already shows that the greatest reduction in incidents is achieved when prevention measures are consistently implemented. The insurance industry carries out numerous educational and awareness campaigns—often aimed at specific audiences such as children and young people—to alert the public to the risks on the roads and the importance of prevention.
- Implementation of security measures. The landscape is transforming thanks to the acceleration of the implementation of safety technologies, such as driving support systems or traffic management programs that promote risk reduction. Not surprisingly, insurance sector associations such as Insurance Europe highlight the positive impact these technologies have on accident mitigation.
- Incentives for safe driving. For some time now, the inclusion of financial incentives or discounts in insurance policies—rewarding low or no claims—has helped to encourage more responsible behavior on the roads and safer driving.
- Connected insurance. In an increasingly competitive market, connected insurance emerges as the tool to differentiate itself and allows insurers to actively contribute to saving lives. Thanks to telematic data and digital interaction, it is possible to influence driving habits and reduce the frequency of accidents.
- Support for research. Insurance companies contribute to road safety by supporting research on projects and innovative initiatives related to road risks. Similarly, the sector shares valuable data on claims and vehicle management patterns, improving programs and public policies in this domain.
- Public-private partnerships. We cannot forget the role of insurance and its contribution to improving road safety regulation and mandatory insurance legislation for all drivers, in collaboration with national and local governments, and other agencies.
These are some of the measures that reflect the commitment of insurance in reducing traffic accidents and advancing towards more sustainable mobility.
United against accidents
At Fundación Mapfre and its Road Safety, Health, and Prevention area, we work to save lives on the roads and promote safe mobility through initiatives in Spain and Latin America that involve all social stakeholders. The main lines of action are training, education, and research, focusing on vulnerable groups such as minors. We believe that the main ally in this challenge must be society, because in our Group we seek to promote awareness about the common challenge of preventing any death on our roads.
Cesvimap’s work in this field is also remarkable. Cesvimap, which was born as the Mapfre Road Safety and Experimentation Center, has evolved and now acts as an innovation laboratory, with contributions that include the study of new driver-assistance technologies (ADAS) and the analysis of accident rates.
We cannot forget that mishaps on the road are a multidimensional problem that requires an adequate response from various segments. Governments, manufacturers, associations, health professionals, insurance companies, society, etc., are coming together as links in a single chain that serves to prevent, protect, and mitigate the consequences of claims. Thus, each life saved on the road will be the result of the joint actions of all the players involved in improving the road accident rate.