Launch of UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-05-11 09:00:00 Dmitry Medvedev sent his greetings on the launch of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety The message reads, in part: “Dear friends, May 11, 2011 marks the start of an ambitious international programme, the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety. Experts estimate that more than a million people die on the roads each year, one in five of whom are children. More than 50 million people are hurt or seriously injured. The international community therefore has a duty to develop a common strategy and joint action to enhance road safety. Today the Russian Federation is undertaking major initiatives in this field. We are overhauling our legislation and putting in place a series of measures to make roads safer and more user-friendly for motorists and pedestrians alike. I am convinced that this United Nations programme initiated by the Russian Federation will help to reduce road traffic injuries and enhance road safety throughout the world. I wish you success and all the best in your efforts.”