The European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology supports the Decade of Action for Road Safety, initiated by the United Nations and coordinated by the World Health Organisation, to be launched worldwide May 11th 2011. Musculoskeletal surgeons deal daily with the acute and long term consequences of road trafic accidents. Injuries provoked by road trafic accidents must be curtailed. Surgeons need to be vocal about implementing road safety and management, safer roads and mobility and safer vehicles. Legislation such as seat-belt and helmet regulations, speed limits and drink and drive laws must be actively supported by orthopaedic and trauma surgeons.

The safety of pedestrians and cyclists must be enhanced. Compulsory wearing of protective clothing and footwear must be endorsed by the orthopaedic and trauma societies. EFORT as an educational organisation is primarily dedicated to teaching and promoting the best standards of practice and techniques of musculoskeletal surgery for victims of crashes and accidents thoroughout Europe. EFORT strongly encourages all European Orthopaedic and Trauma organisations at the regional and national levels and all invidual musculoskeletal surgeons to demonstrate their robust support of this worldwide UN-led iniative coordinated by the WHO: The Decade of Action for Road Safety.