Attributable road traffic injury mortality: differences in statistical systems in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper aims to estimate the differences in mortality from road traffic injuries according to the records present in the information sources in the Republic of Ecuador, 2017 - 2019. Methodologically, the cases of deaths and mortality rates are compared between police records and death certificates by age group and sex. During the study period, 7291 traffic fatalities were recorded in police records, compared to 9509 in medical certificates. Mortality rates vary significantly by age and sex between data sources, with police records showing a decreasing trend, but no significant change according to medical death certificates. The study reveals that there is no consistency between data sources, possibly to mask weaknesses in police actions inroad traffic policing.