Brazilian City Cuts Traffic Deaths in Half with Simple Strategy

Fortaleza's Success Story: How Lower Speed Limits Halved Traffic Deaths Fortaleza, Brazil, has shown the world that reducing speed limits can dramatically improve road safety. A decade-long initiative has cut traffic fatalities and injuries by 50%, according to Paula Santos, Urban Mobility Manager at WRI Brazil. Santos, featured in a recent Estadão video, explains that this success is due to adopting a 'safe systems' approach. This involves designing streets to encourage slower driving and minimizing the risk of accidents. The city's example is now being used as a model for other Brazilian cities, with WRI Brazil actively working to implement similar traffic moderation measures. "What makes the biggest difference is designing streets that encourage drivers to slow down," says Santos. This approach, supported by initiatives like the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Initiative, is proving that prioritizing pedestrian safety can save lives and create more welcoming urban environments. The video, sponsored by Uber, highlights the importance of slowing down as part of May's Yellow May road safety campaign.