Sachin Tendulkar Named UN Global Champion for Road Safety

UN Appoints Cricket Icon to Promote Safer Roads

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated as a Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations, joining a select group of internationally recognised figures advocating responsible road behaviour. The announcement was accompanied by a public message in which Tendulkar urged citizens to adopt safer driving practices.

Emphasis on Responsible Road Behaviour

In his address, Tendulkar drew parallels between discipline in sports and discipline on the roads. He highlighted basic yet critical safety measures such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, maintaining alertness and adhering to traffic regulations.

He stressed that many road fatalities are preventable, reinforcing the principle that “Every life matters.” The appeal focused on cultivating awareness and behavioural responsibility among motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

UN Strategy and Global Advocacy

Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, underscored the importance of public figures in influencing societal behaviour. The UN’s broader road safety framework seeks to reduce traffic deaths through a combination of enforcement, infrastructure improvements and mass awareness initiatives.

The Decade of Action for Road Safety represents a global campaign targeting significant reductions in road crash fatalities.

State-Level Interventions in India

UN agencies, including the World Health Organization , have initiated programmes providing technical and financial support to Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. These efforts concentrate on accident blackspot mitigation, safer school zones, pedestrian infrastructure and post-crash emergency response systems.

India’s Continuing Road Safety Challenge

India contributes a substantial proportion of global road fatalities, making safety awareness and regulatory compliance major public policy priorities. The appointment of influential personalities reflects a strategy to amplify public engagement while supporting institutional reforms.

Important Facts for Exams

• UN Decade of Action for Road Safety targets reduction in fatalities.

• Road traffic injuries are a leading global cause of death.

• WHO monitors road safety indicators worldwide.

• Blackspots denote accident-prone road segments.