The United Nations has declared 2011-2020 as the "Decade of Action for Road Safety," in a bid to reduce vehicular accidents that kill more than 1.3 million people worldwide each year. More than 100 countries are participating in this joint effort. The U.N. hopes it will save 5 million lives during that period, as each country introduces safety measures and raises awareness amongst its citizens.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control is doing its part to raise awareness of vehicular  deaths and is sharing some vital statistics behind the approximately 33,000 vehicles deaths each year. This number is startling, but death rates have been dropping steadily—even as our nation continues to add more people.

Still, there is much work to be done and as people buckle up, purchase vehicles with improved safety features and otherwise drive more carefully, the numbers should continue to drop. We won't explore the more gruesome facts, but we'll examine some of the statistics which should encourage each of us to drive with care at all times.

Leading cause of death: In the broad 5- to 34-year-old age segment, car accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States. Worldwide, vehicular accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29, beating out poor nutrition, disease and war.

Millions injured: In 2009, the CDC states that 2.3 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as a result of motor vehicle accidents. In 2008, the last year when statistics were available, 4,378 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents and another 69,000 injured.

Distracted driving: Talking on a cell phone. Texting while driving. Engaging in any other behavior besides keeping one's hands on the wheel and eyes focused on the road is known as distracted driving. In 2008, the CDC estimates that 6,000 people died as a result of distracted driving. It splits these into three groups: visual, manual and cognitive. “Visual” distracted driving is not keeping your eyes on the road. “Manual” is taking your hands off the steering wheel. And “cognitive” is described as “taking your mind off of what you are doing.”

Thankfully, there are some encouraging statistics to share each of which demonstrates how safety measures can help save lives:

Seat belt use: More widespread seat belt use has helped to reduce deaths. Mandatory seat belt use in most states and child booster laws in all states have helped drivers and occupants to buckle up. According to the CDC, seat belt use reduces serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50 percent.

Safer cars: Airbags are universal on cars sold in America. Along with side curtain airbags and increased seat belt usage, airbags have helped to lower death rates. Today's new cars also must meet stringent crash test requirements—and you can view that data at safercar.gov. Rollover testing is new and not all vehicles have been tested yet. Manufacturers are strengthening vulnerable roof pillars to absorb rollovers which kill thousands of people each year.

Smarter drivers: “Wiser” may be a better term to use than “smarter” driver. Drivers aren't stupid even if some of their behavior is dangerous or deadly. Driving safety is slowly sinking in and combined with tougher traffic enforcement, is helping to improve behind the wheel behavior.

Much work needs to be done to provide a safer driving experience including equipping teens with practical driving instruction, through the stricter enforcement of traffic violations, offering improved automotive safety requirements and making mass transit more accessible for people who need a viable alternative to a personal automobile. Perhaps the most encouraging sign of progress can be found in this vital statistic: Vehicular deaths in 1980 were at 51,000 when our country's population numbered 225 million Americans. Today, with 308 million people, deaths have dropped to below 33,000.

Photo: CDC