Emergencies in Madrid on 14/08/2026

Etienne Krug, director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health at the WHO, warns that traffic accidents remain the leading cause of death among young people, with over one million deaths annually worldwide. While some countries have successfully reduced mortality rates, many regions still lack the political will and decisive action needed to improve road safety.

Krug emphasizes that the current transportation system is designed for vehicles rather than people. He advocates for safer infrastructure, strict enforcement of laws regarding speed, seat belt use, alcohol, and drug consumption, as well as a shift towards sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, or public transit. We encourage those willing to support victims and hospitals to visit the blood donation centers in Madrid.