Road Traffic Accidents
International prevalence
Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash.
Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury.
More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
93% of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have approximately 60% of the world's vehicles.
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years.
Prevalence in Pakistan
According to the latest WHO data published in 2018 Road Traffic Accidents Deaths in Pakistan reached 30,046 or 2.42% of total deaths.
In this report, the WHO estimated that in Pakistan, RTAs result in 14.3 deaths per 100,000 population, which makes RTA fatalities an important public health issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Risk factors
Speeding
Driving under the influence of alcohol and other psychoactive substances
Nonuse of motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints
Distracted driving
Unsafe road infrastructure
Unsafe vehicles
Inadequate post-crash care
Inadequate law enforcement of traffic laws
How to Prevent
Road traffic injuries can be prevented. Governments need to take action to address road safety in a holistic manner. This requires involvement from multiple sectors such as transport, police, health, education, and actions that address the safety of roads, vehicles, and road users.
The Safe System approach is essential to eliminate fatal crashes and reduce serious injuries. Effective interventions have to be designed include designing safer infrastructure and incorporating road safety features into land-use and transport planning, improving the safety features of vehicles, improving post-crash care for victims of road crashes, setting and enforcing laws relating to key risks, and raising public awareness.
References:
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries
2. Global status report on road safety 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565684
3. https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/pakistan-road-traffic-accidents
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