Retrospections on road traffic injuries as a social burden: The role of public health education initiatives in a developing country

Abstract

Road traffic injuries are a major cause of trauma related morbidity and mortality in our modern society. They have since been recognized as disease entities on their own, as well as a societal problem of serious public health concern. The aim of this review article is to promote the understanding of road traffic injuries as both a social burden and a disease entity and to highlight suggested measures capable of curtailing the menace that these injuries pose to human population. A review of the literature on the subject of road traffic injuries as both a social problem and disease entity was done. Historical perspectives, epidemiological information, causative factors and preventive measures were extracted and presented. Human factors contribute to 95% of road traffic accident. Current deaths from road traffic injuries account for 2.2% of the global mortality affecting all age groups. Health education and enforcement of legislation are key measures in combating road traffic injuries.