Road traffic injury--a global public health scourge: a review for World Health Day 2004 (April 7)

Abstract

Objective: Globally in 2000, 1.2 million deaths resulted from road traffic injury (RTI) and about 10 times this number were injured. Because of the size of the problem, its expected growth and its preventability, World Health Day 2004 (April 7) was devoted to RTI. This review highlights attention to RTI by the ANZJPH and investigates relevance to the developing world, where 90% of all RTI deaths now occur.

Method: All articles published by the ANZJPH over the five-year period 1999-2004, which met the World Health Organization definition of RTI, were reviewed.

Results: The eight studies selected and reviewed focused particularly on young drivers, alcohol use and Indigenous Australians, using a range of research and evaluation methods. Risk factors identified including widespread risky driving behaviour by young males and alcohol involvement. Intervention successes included legislative change regarding utility passengers, current vehicle inspection certificate and effects associated with the lead-up to New Zealand's 1992 Transport Act.

Conclusions: The dramatic and continued reduction in Australia's road toll following peak rates in the 1960s has relied on scientific research, such as that reviewed here, for its effective evidence base. This review indicates that RTI is established on the public health agenda in Australia--a key aim of WHO's five-year strategy, for emulation by developing regions and nations.

Implications: High-income countries such as Australia and New Zealand have the knowledge, expertise and also the responsibility to assist regional low- and middle-income countries to counter the growing scourge of RTI that accompanies rapid motorisation.