Five of your friends could have a traffic accident next year

Startled by the title? That was one of the ways we found to get your attention. It is no longer enough to disclose so much data and expect it to yield results: numbers are sometimes just numbers.

The calculation is easy: every year, more than one million traffic accidents occur in Brazil. If you have about 1, 000 people added to your social networks, this means that on average five of them could have a traffic accident next year.

With that in mind, it is easier to approach this sad reality, which leaves more than 45, 000 dead and 376, 000 injured every year.

The Internet and social media have played a part in this role: By knowing the name and face of the victims, you can be more aware of their death than by reading a mere issue in a newspaper headline. But we still need more. So let's simplify some data for you:

1. We could fill more than five Maracana stadiums each year with the victims

Brazil is in 4th place in the ranking of traffic deaths in the world, causing accidents to kill more than cancer and overcome homicides.

2. Over 95% of disasters are caused by irresponsible drivers

Among the main causes are: speeding, non-compliance with signs and alcohol consumption.

3. It's Like We Have Two Tragedies Like The Nightclub Kiss Per Week

Traffic accidents are already the leading cause of death among young people and, according to the National Road Safety Observatory, people between 18 and 34 years old account for more than 40% of fatal road traffic victims.

4. Brazil is among the countries that most apply risk control laws

Despite the large number of fatalities, Brazil ranks at the top of the list of countries that most enforce risk control laws, mainly related to speed limit, seat belt, helmet, child safety and ban on alcohol before to drive.

5. The country spends more than $ 5 billion a year on traffic accidents.

Traffic accidents worldwide cost $ 518 billion a year, reaching 1% to 3% of each country's Gross Domestic Product, according to the UN General Assembly.

With the money spent in the country, it would be possible to build more than 3, 000 schools or more than 700 large hospitals.

6. While you were reading this story, at least two accidents happened

Every 57 seconds, a traffic accident happens. There are five road deaths per hour.

Do your part and be a traffic change agent.

Click here to see more.

* Originally posted on 19/09/2016.