Road Traffic Injury Prevention Research Articles

Analysis of traffic injury trends, and strategies for road safety promotion in Lithuania

Abstract Every year, about 1.3 million people die on the world’s roads. The aim of the study was to analyze the mortality trends from traffic injuries, and to discuss strategies for the prevention of road traffic injuries and road safety promotion in Lithuania. A longitudinal study was conducted, and regression analysis was applied. The study showed that, when analyzing the changes in mortality from the main causes of death over 2009-2019, the greatest progress in mortality reduction was observed in the category of deaths from external causes; whereas, the number of deaths from diseases of the circulatory system did not change, and the number of deaths from malignant tumors increased slightly. In Lithuania, the death rate from traffic injuries per 100,000 inhabitants decreased significantly over a 50-year period (1971-2020) (in the whole population, and in the subgroups of men and women). In Lithuania, during the fifty-year period (1971-2020), pedestrian mortality rates decreased significantly in the whole population, and children and adolescents (0-14, 15-19, and 0-19 years). Over 1998-2020, road traffic injury deaths decreased significantly in children age groups 0-14, 15-19, and 0-19. After exploring the preventive strategies used for road safety promotion, it was revealed that the most effective results were achieved, when education, safe environment creation, and legislation with enforcement were used. It was important to create a safe engineering environment, to separate pedestrian and bicycle paths from high-speed traffic on roads, to improve the visibility of road users, to apply measures that reduce driver’s fatigue, and to combat the usage of mobile phones while driving. Preventive activities were aimed at alcohol control, speed limitation, education of safe behavior of drivers, promotion of safe cars operation. The usage of safety belts and safety seats, helmets for motorcyclists and cyclists were increased through legislative and educational measures.

Development and validation of Parents’ Health Literacy Scale on Preventing Road Traffic Injuries for children aged 0–6 years in China

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in children. Parents’ health literacy (HL) is closely related to child safety, especially for the young children. This study aimed to...

Assessing public trust in road traffic injuries prevention policies in Iran: a cross-sectional study.

Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) represent the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Thus, impactful interventions and trustworthy authorities are imperative to mitigate traffic accidents. The present study seeks to assess public trust in traffic accident diminution policies and measures within the country of Iran. This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire comprising 31 questions distributed across eight dimensions. The questionnaire's design was informed by a literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts specializing in traffic accidents. The target population consisted of Tabriz city residents, who were selected via convenience sampling. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS-16 software, employing the T-test, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient to present the study's results. structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using R 4-4-2 programming language. A total of 681 participants completed the questionnaire, yielding a commendable response rate of 88.6%. The majority of participants were male (60.8%), and 86.2% identified as drivers, with 61.8% having experienced driving accidents. The overall score for public trust in RTIs policies was calculated to be 46.9%. The individual scores for specific domains of trust in traffic safety were as follows: safer roads (43.1%), safe vehicle (43.3%), safety laws (48.8%), safe user (51.1%), safe technology (51.5%), road safety management (46.8%). All the latent variables except education are significantly effective on public trust. The study findings indicate relatively low levels of public trust in RTIs policies among the Iranian population. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance public confidence in specific aspects of traffic safety. Policymakers can use these insights to implement effective measures, thus contributing to the RTIs and the promotion of road safety in the country.

Pattern of Road Traffic Injuries Presenting at a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) constitute a major economic and health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries. Nasarawa state, north-central Nigeria, is heavily motorised due to the use of motorcycles as a popular means of transportation. The study aims to determine the pattern and prevalence of RTIs within the state. Materials and Methods: A 6-year retrospective study was conducted at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, Nasarawa state. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients admitted with RTIs at the hospital and were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Results: A total of 929 patients with 1307 injuries were reported. There were 518 (55.8%) males and 411 (44.2%) females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The age of the patients ranged from 1–85 years, with a mean age of 30 ± 20 years. Young adults aged 18–44 years constituted the most injured age group. Motorcycle-related crashes accounted for injuries in 530 (57.1%) patients. These injuries were predominantly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and extremity injuries. The body region most affected was the head and face (560, 42.8%), with traumatic brain injuries (448, 32.7%) being the most common type. After treatment, most patients (571, 61.5%) were discharged home, while the mortality rate was 2.4%. Conclusion: In our study, motorcycle-related crashes were prevalent. Young adult males were mostly the victims of RTIs. Traumatic brain injuries and extremity injuries were the predominant types of injuries, often associated with motorcycle and pedestrian crashes. Multisystem injuries and TBIs were major factors contributing to mortality.

Road Traffic Injury Prevention: Standing Electric Scooters

Road Traffic Injury Prevention: Standing Electric Scooters

Maturity measurement in road traffic injury prevention

Road traffic related death and injury continues to be a major challenge globally. Unsafe road use is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries while also being a growing concern for private sector organisations. The Safe System approach is recognized internationally as the leading approach to improving road safety and previous work has codified the essential management functions and interventions evident in its successful implementation. Tracking the development of Safe System adoption within the public and private sectors is of interest for several reasons. This paper presents recent development and use of road safety maturity frameworks and discusses the utility of these approaches for road safety practitioners and researchers.

Prediction of the burden of road traffic injuries in Iran by 2030: Prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life years

PurposeRoad traffic accidents pose a global challenge with substantial human and economic costs. Iran experiences a high incidence of road traffic injuries, leading to a significant burden on society. This study aims to predict the future burden of road traffic injuries in Iran until 2030, providing valuable insights for policy-making and interventions to improve road safety and reduce the associated human and economic costs. MethodsThis analytical study utilized time series models, specifically autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), to predict the burden of road traffic accidents by analyzing past data to identify patterns and trends in Iran until 2030. The required data related to prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates were collected from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation database and analyzed using R software and relevant modeling and statistical analysis packages. ResultsBoth prediction models, ARIMA and ANNs indicate that the prevalence rates (per 100,000) of all road traffic injuries, except for motorcyclist road injuries which have an almost flat trend, remaining at around 430, increase by 2030. Based on estimations of both models, the rates of death and DALYs due to motor vehicle and pedestrian road traffic injuries decrease. For motor vehicle road injuries, estimated trends decrease to approximately 520 DALYs and 10 deaths. Also, for pedestrian road injuries these rates reached approximately 300 DALYs and 6 deaths, according to the models. For cyclists and other road traffic injuries, the predicted DALY rates by the ANN model increase to almost 50 and 8, while predictions conducted by the ARIMA model show a static trend, remaining at 40 and approximately 6.5. Moreover, these rates for the prediction of death rate by the ANN model increased to 0.6 and 0.1, while predictions conducted by the ARIMA model show a static trend, remaining at 0.43 and 0.07. According to the ANN model, the predicted rates of DALY and death for motorcyclists decrease to 100 and approximately 2.7, respectively. On the other hand, predictions made by the ARIMA model show a static trend, with rates remaining at 200 and approximately 3.2, respectively. ConclusionThe prevalence of road traffic injuries is predicted to increase, while the death and DALY rates of road traffic injuries show different patterns. Effective intervention programs and safety measures are necessary to prevent and reduce road traffic accidents. Different interventions should be designed and implemented specifically for different groups of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and motor vehicle drivers.

The Role of Road Safety Units in the Prevention of Child Traffic Injuries

This article describes a number of issues devoted to the role of units responsible for ensuring road safety in the prevention of child road traffic injuries. The author examines the issue of the importance and effectiveness of the activities of units responsible for ensuring road safety in the context of preventing child road traffic injuries. The author analyzes in detail the key aspects of the role of these units in carrying out preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of injury to children on the roads. A wide range of methods and technologies are discussed, including video surveillance systems, smart traffic lights and automated means of recording traffic violations, which are seen as integral tools for improving safety. Automated means of recording violations of traffic rules further strengthen control over compliance with the rules, recording violations with high accuracy. Together, these technologies form a comprehensive approach to security, based on the use of advanced tools and techniques. Such consideration contributes to the creation of a more effective system for preventing child road traffic injuries. The author highlights the importance of collaboration between safety departments and community organizations in the development and implementation of effective strategies to combat childhood road traffic injuries. The result highlights the need for concerted efforts to create a safe road environment and reduce the risk of injury to children in road situations. In conclusion, the author emphasizes that only through an integrated approach and the introduction of advanced technologies can the safety of children on the roads be ensured, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the public to achieve this important goal.

Prevention of "bygone futures" due to road traffic injuries in children.

Road traffic injuries remain one of the common and leading causes of death among children and adolescents till the age of 19 years. Road safety is important for children since their physical activity, active travel, independence and development are largely affected by it. Solutions for road safety with benefits for people as well as an economy exist which should be implemented effectively and efficiently. These solutions which combine engineering, legislation and behavioural interventions should be implemented in an integrated Safe Systems Approach. The future of the children must be safeguarded from these injuries and every effort towards it being converted into "bygone figures" must be done diligently and honestly. The various risk factors and interventions possibly explained in this review article shall help in better understanding of the causes and possible guidelines at a policy level to prevent road traffic injuries in children.

The temporal trend of road traffic mortality in China from 2004 to 2020

BackgroundRoad traffic accidents are one of the critical disasters that cause massive negative influences to the social economy and people's property, health and life safety. The purpose of this study is to analyze the temporal trend of road traffic mortality in China from 2004 to 2020, and further analyze the key factors that the influencing changes in China's road traffic mortality and provides information for the development of targeted interventions to reduce the number of preventable deaths. MethodsThe data were retrieved from the Chinese Death Cause Monitoring Data Set from 2004 to 2020. The road traffic mortality rates were standardized by the Sixth National Population Census (6th NPC) data. Joinpoint regression method was manipulated to analyze temporal trends of standardized road traffic mortality. The study used annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) calculated by the Joinpoint regression model to describe trends in road traffic mortality rates. ResultsThe overall age-adjusted road traffic mortality in China showed a declining trend from 2004 to 2020 (AAPC2004-2020 = - 4.2%), from 20.9 to 12.92 per 100,000. Rural road traffic mortality rates were generally higher than the one in urban areas, and males were generally higher than females. There was an overall downward trend of the standardized road traffic mortality in the East and Central regions between 2004 and 2020. It was worth noting that the road traffic mortality rates in the Western region showed an upward trend from 2006 to 2011 (APC2006-2011 = 3.3%) and continued to decline after 2011 (APC2011-2020 = - 6.7%). The road traffic mortality rates of aged 65 years and older was highest, which required focused attention. ConclusionsFrom 2004 to 2020, the road traffic mortality rates in China generally declined. At the same time, there was a slow reduction or even an upward trend in road traffic mortality rates among the elderly and in western regions. Rural males are a priority group for road traffic injury prevention.

Road traffic injuries and their associated risk factors in Dibrugarh district, Assam: a cross-sectional study

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world and especially in developing countries like India, out of which many goes unreported. As such, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTIs and their associated risk factors in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 820 samples taken from both urban and rural areas of Dibrugarh district. Data was collected by personal interview using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data is presented in percentages and association was tested using logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of RTIs was found to be 4.4%. Prevalence of RTI was higher amongst males (6.85%), people belonging to age group of 18-30 yrs and people who were unemployed (26.2%). Also, most of the accidents were found to occur during night time (47.2%), amongst two wheelers (52.8%) and more in the rural areas than the urbans. A high prevalence of alcohol consumption (58.3%) and usage of mobile phones (16.7%) while driving was seen with the RTIs. Also only 25% and 13% of the RTI victims were using helmets and seatbelts respectively while riding their bikes/cars. Conclusions: Prevalence of RTIs was quite high amongst the population of Dibrugarh district along with high prevalence of risky behaviour while driving. As such, awareness regarding this hazardous problem amongst people and how to take proper preventive measures is of utmost importance.

“Road traffic injury could be minimized when individual road users take more responsibility for their safety and the safety of others”: Perception of healthcare workers in Vanuatu

IntroductionAround 1.35 million deaths are caused by Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) each year. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Vanuatu's Health Care Workers (HCWs) regarding the existing preventative strategies for RTI. Materials and methodsIn 2020, this study used qualitative approaches to collect data from HCWs using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Study participants were self-identified Ni-Vanuatu HCWs who had been serving for more than 6 months in three main hospitals where the study was conducted and purposive sampling was used to gather the study participants. To guide the FGDs, a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was created. Thematic analysis was used to processed the data obtained, based on predetermined themes that were based on theory while also enabling the data to determine new themes. ResultFrom 5 FGDs with 22 HCWs who were emergency nurses, doctors and public health officers, data saturation was reached. The study yielded five main themes and sixteen subthemes. The relevance and trends of RTI, barriers to effective care, pre-hospital management capacity, barriers to pre-hospital care and addressing RTI were among the key subjects. The findings suggest that addressing health institutional leadership and resources will improve prevention of RTIs. ConclusionPrevention of RTIs is hindered by the lack of health institutional capacities in terms of leadership and resources that include emergency equipment, financial and trained human resources. The health sector should consider developing stronger leadership in road safety to be an essential part of its core business.

Some of the Issues of Preventing Offenses Involving Child Passengers

The subject of the study is the administrative and legal norms regulating the basic rules of transportation of children in a car. The object of the study is public relations in the field of prevention of children's road traffic injuries. The purpose of the work was to analyze the current requirements and regulations in the field of transportation of children in a passenger car, identify current problems arising in this area and suggest ways to solve them. Methodological basis of the work: fundamental postulates of the theory of law; generalization of practical experience, application of methods of logical, monographic and system analysis. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as preserving the life and health of children-road users, reducing the level of road accidents involving them, as well as minimizing the severity of their consequences. Scope of application of the results: the provisions of the work can be used in the legislative activity of state bodies, law enforcement practice of state bodies directly engaged in the prevention of child traffic injuries, the educational process with any category of children and parents, scientific research of administrative scientists investigating issues of road safety. The novelty of the work is determined by the practical and scientific significance of the problems of law enforcement practice of state bodies involved in the prevention of child traffic injuries, as well as the need to improve the legal framework governing the powers of internal affairs bodies. The author proposes a comprehensive approach to solving this problem, starting with proposals to improve the complex of preventive measures aimed at reducing the number of road accidents involving child passengers and the severity of their consequences and ending with the author's proposal to improve the current administrative legislation in the field of road safety.

Determinant of Severe Road Traffic Injury Cases Managed by Fatmawati Jakarta Hospital Emergency Department

Introduction:A traffic accident injury is one type of unintentional injury that contributes to the third leading cause of death in Indonesia, according to the WHO 2013 Global Road Safety Report based on Indonesian Police, estimated 37,000-47,000 fatalities annually and 46,000 experiencing severe injuries. The injury surveillance pilot project by the Ministry of the Health Republic of Indonesia in the Fatmawati Hospital Emergency Department is trying to describe the magnitude of injury along with its components and risk factors.Method:This study aims to determine the risk factors of severe road traffic injury documented by injury surveillance forms in the Fatmawati Hospital Emergency Department from March to July 2016. The research design used was cross-sectional with a number of samples of 600 road traffic injury cases.Results:The results show risk factors that contributed as predictors for severe road traffic injury are being male, OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.37-3.02); age greater than 30 years old, OR 1.57 (95% CI 1.11 - 2.22); low education (not attending school until high school graduate) with OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.12-2.25); during working days with OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.08 – 2.17), and cyclists with OR 4.84 (95% CI 0.87-29.0).Conclusion:Based on this research, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia needs to continue advocating the use of injury surveillance forms at hospital emergency departments to provide a complete picture of injury characteristics and risk factors and to educate and develop road traffic injury prevention and risk communication for the community.

Analysis of Risky Riding Behavior Characteristics of the Related Road Traffic Injuries of Electric Bicycle Riders.

Electric bicycle (EB) riders, being vulnerable road users (VRUs), are increasingly becoming victims of road traffic injuries (RTIs). This study aimed to determine the current status and epidemiological characteristics of RTIs among EB riders through a questionnaire survey and roadside observations in Shantou to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of electric bicycle road traffic injuries (ERTIs). A total of 2412 EB riders were surveyed, and 34,554 cyclists were observed in the study. To analyze the relationship between riding habits and injuries among EB riders, chi-square tests and multi-factor logistic regression models were employed. The findings reveal that the prevalence of ERTIs in Shantou was 4.81%, and the most affected group was children under 16 years old, accounting for 9.84%. Risky behavior was widespread among EB riders, such as the infrequent wearing of safety helmets, carrying people on EBs, riding on sidewalks, and listening to music with headphones while bicycling. Notably, over 90% of those who wore headphones while bicycling engaged in this risky behavior. The logistic regression analysis showed that honking the horn (odds ratio (OR): 2.009, 95% CI: 1.245-3.240), riding in reverse (OR: 4.210, 95% CI: 2.631-6.737), and continuing to ride after a fault was detected (OR: 2.010, 95% CI: 1.188-3.402) all significantly increased the risk of ERTIs (all p < 0.05). Risky riding behavior was significantly less observed at traffic intersections with traffic officers than at those without (all p < 0.001).

Prevalence of road traffic injuries in South East and South Asian region - A systematic review.

South and South-East Asian countries report a great liability for the world's road traffic injuries (RTIs) and deaths. A vast number of research studies tested various interventions including specific protective devices to prevent accidents, but no review papers have been conducted to find out the prevalence of RTIs in South-East and South Asian countries. This review paper was an attempt to find out the prevalence of RTIs and their associated factors in South-East and South Asian countries. Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we searched the articles in the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Articles were selected if they reported the prevalence of RTI, or road traffic accident (RTA) deaths. In addition, a data quality assessment was done. Out of the 10,818 article hits from the literature search, ten articles found the eligibility and inclusion criteria. Most of the studies reported that males are involved in the RTIs more than females. The male mortality rate is more than the female mortality in RTI mortality. Young adult males are the major victims when compared with the different age groups of male victims. Two-wheelers are the major contributors to the accident rate. Religious or national festivals are not free from accident-prone times. Climatic seasons and nighttime have a major influence on the RTIs. RTIs are increasing due to the sudden and huge increase in the number of motor vehicles and the development of cities and towns. Accidents are non-predictable but controllable disasters in society. Overspeeding, bad conditions on road, the vulnerability of the vehicles, and careless driving are the major reported reasons for RTIs. Making and implementing strict laws can help us to control RTAs. The major effect on the reduction of RTI can be assured only with the presence of responsible people. That can be achieved only by creating awareness in society about traffic rules and responsibilities.

Effectiveness of a Road Traffic Injury Prevention Intervention in Reducing Pedestrian Injuries, Barcelona, Spain, 2002-2019.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) intervention in Barcelona, Spain, at reducing the number of road traffic collisions and injuries in the school environment. It was a pre-post, quasi-experimental evaluation with a matched comparison group. Road traffic injuries were significantly reduced in the intervention schools-especially among school-age pedestrians-but not in the comparison schools. The SRTS program significantly improved road safety among children. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(5):495-499. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307216).

Association between Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment and Prevalence of Road Traffic Injuries amongst Motorcycle Users in Kibera Constituency, Nairobi County Kenya

Throughout the world, road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a vastly silent encroaching public health problem. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers are two of the most vulnerable road users worldwide. In Kenya, the annual incidence reports on RTIs amongst these groups had been on the rise in recent years. In 2017, 1,270 injuries were recorded while 2018 had 1,587 RTIs amongst these two groups. In 2019, 2,911 injuries were reported and 4,575 injuries in 2020. The purpose of the study was to assess the association between the utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the prevalence of Road Traffic Injuries (minor and major) amongst motorcycle riders in Kibera constituency, Nairobi County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of RTIs amongst motorcycle riders, to determine the level of PPE utilization amongst the motorcycle riders, to evaluate the association between the utilization of PPE and the severity of injury sustained by the riders, and to evaluate the effect size of the association between the utilization of PPE and the type of injury sustained by motorcycle riders. A cross-sectional analytical study design was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data from the motorcycle riders in Kibera constituency. Questionnaires were used to gather information on injuries sustained from the local hospitals and clinics visited by the motorcycle riders in Kibera constituency. A checklist was used to gather data on the utilization of personal protective equipment by motorcycle users in Kibera constituency. The total number of registered motorcycles (2956) was subjected to Slovin’s formula (n)=N/(1+Ne^2) to obtain a representative sample of 353 motorcycle riders who participated in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS V22 and MS-excel software. Data was subjected to bivariate analysis with crosstabs for case classification, Chi square to evaluate the association, and Cramer’s V to measure the effect size of the association. A 95 percent confidence level was used for the whole analysis of this study. The 0.05 level of significance was used throughout the study to test the significance of the association between PPE utilisation and severity of injury when an accident occurred. Utilisation of PPE was negatively associated with severity of injury. Further, while Helmet, Jacket, Heavy trousers and Gloves reduced severity of injury, Reflective vest and Boots were not significantly associated with severity of injury sustained by the Motorcycle riders.

Association between Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment and Prevalence of Road Traffic Injuries amongst Motorcycle Users in Kibera Constituency, Nairobi County Kenya

Association between Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment and Prevalence of Road Traffic Injuries amongst Motorcycle Users in Kibera Constituency, Nairobi County Kenya

Approaches to the Effective Prevention of Road Traffic Injuries in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Road traffic injuries (RTI) are projected to become the 7th leading cause of mortality worldwide by the year 2030. It is projected that 90% of the global road traffic injury burden will be borne by Low and Middle-Income countries (LMICs), including sub-Saharan Africa. We undertook a systematic literature review to assess the effectiveness of implemented traffic injury prevention initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: A systematic review of the English literature was undertaken per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were identified by searching the electronic databases Embase, Pubmed, Medline, The Cochrane Library and an additional review of reference lists. In addition, published studies from 1990 to 2020 were extracted and analysed. Results: The literature search generated 638 articles. Twenty-two duplicates were removed, and after title and abstract screening and full-text screening, 22 articles were retained. The interventions were broadly categorised into education, enforcement, Legislation, speed control, road safety and combined interventions. Conclusion: Combined multi-faceted injury prevention strategies are most effective in Sub-Saharan Africa. Enforcement of safety regulations ensures compliance and sustainability of prevention interventions. Speed control measures are useful in calming vehicular speeds, but poor design and citing can endanger road users. Road safety, education and Legislation have little to no effect when implemented alone; however, when combined with other measures, they can lead to significant reductions in road traffic injuries and fatalities.