Sachin Tendulkar Named UN Global Road Safety Champion

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated a ‘Global Champion for Road Safety’ by the United Nations, joining a group of prominent international figures advocating safer roads. The announcement was marked by the release of a video message in which Tendulkar urged citizens to adopt responsible driving habits and prioritise safety.

The initiative forms part of broader UN efforts to reduce road traffic fatalities worldwide.

Call for Discipline and Awareness

In his message, Tendulkar emphasised that discipline and awareness are essential not only in sport but also on the roads. He underlined that everyday actions such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, staying alert and respecting traffic rules can prevent fatalities.

He noted that road crash fatality rates remain disproportionately high compared to vehicle volumes, stressing the need for collective responsibility. The core message — “Every life matters” — is intended to resonate across age groups and communities.

UN Backing and Global Advocacy

Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, highlighted the influence of public figures in shaping behaviour. He observed that safety messages delivered by respected personalities can significantly enhance public compliance with traffic regulations.

The UN has been promoting the Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve global road deaths through improved enforcement, infrastructure and awareness campaigns.

Support for Indian States

UN entities in India, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have launched a programme offering financial and technical assistance to four states — Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. The initiative focuses on improving accident blackspots, creating safer school zones, enhancing pedestrian and cycling facilities and strengthening post-crash emergency care.

These states have been selected for establishing institutional mechanisms to systematically address road safety challenges.

Important Facts for Exams

• The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety aims to reduce global road traffic deaths significantly.
• Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death globally, especially among young people.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors global road safety data and supports member states.
• Blackspots refer to high-risk road locations with frequent accidents.

India’s Road Safety Challenge

India accounts for a substantial share of global road fatalities, making awareness and behavioural change critical policy priorities. The appointment of influential public figures as global champions reflects a strategy to combine advocacy with institutional reform. Through celebrity engagement and targeted state-level interventions, the UN and its partners aim to foster safer mobility and reduce preventable deaths on Indian roads.