Mendoza records 59 traffic deaths in early 2026 as UN pushes for global road‑safety goals

The Argentine province of Mendoza reported 59 fatal road accidents between 1 January and 21 July 2026, according to the Ministry of Security and Justice. The figure shows a modest decline from 75 deaths during the same period in 2025, but officials stress that traffic safety remains a major challenge. Police checks during the period involved 131,384 vehicles and resulted in 62,701 infringement notices, including 1,600 drivers tested for alcohol. Breath‑alcohol tests numbered 55,150, with 1,633 positive results; 859 drivers had blood‑alcohol levels below 0.99 g/L and 774 exceeded 1 g/L.

At the same time, a high‑level United Nations meeting in New York brought together ministers and experts to accelerate actions aimed at halving road‑traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The World Health Organization highlighted that about 1.2 million people die on roads each year, a 21 % decline since 2011, but warned that current progress is insufficient. Participants reviewed a negotiated progress report and discussed national experiences that have reduced fatalities, emphasizing the need for stronger institutions, long‑term plans and measurable targets.

Both reports underscore the persistent risk posed by traffic accidents and the growing call for stronger prevention measures, from local enforcement in Mendoza to international policy coordination at the UN.