ROAD SAFETY AND PREVENTION OF INJURIES

Abstract

Maxillofacial injury is a serious clinical problem resulting in serious dysfunctions including damage to the central nervous system. The esthetic and psychological aspects of injuries to the maxillofacial region are of great importance, as minor changes in the patient’s facial appearance after trauma may cause severe psychological disruption. The public health importance for countries to assess and evaluate their data on the magnitude, impact and characteristics of RTA cannot be overstated. Maxillofacial trauma resulting from RTA has been rising steadily over the past decade and is expected to increase by two and a half times in the next two decades. Young motorcyclists are losing their lives or suffering lifelong disabilities. An estimated 53.71% of maxillofacial surgical resources are being utilized in the management of these injuries. The recent seminar on Road Safety by Road Safety Council of Pakistan in collaboration with Research & Development Cell Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar and Capital Traffic Police Peshawar is a key step towards understanding the gravity of compromised road safety. Road traffic accidents are predictable and preventable and the basic knowledge regarding road safety measures and its implementation is necessary.In our country, large scale research is needed to further uncover factors that distinguish road traffic crashes and their characteristics from the rest of the world. Information gathered can be used to develop novel interventions. Regulating informal public transportation systems and enforcing safety legislation like seat belts and restriction of mobile phone use while driving, could go a long way in reducing the burden of RTAs. It is imperative that government makes this issue a top priority alongside other pressing public health problems in order to prevent deaths and dissibilities.