Children and road traffic injuries: can't the world do better?

Abstract

Road traffic injuries (RTI) impose a substantial health burden among children. Globally, 186 300 children (under 18 years) die from RTI each year. It is the fourth leading cause of death among children aged 5-9 years, third among children aged 10-14 years and first among children aged 15-17 years. At the regional level, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 35.2% of global child deaths caused by RTI; that number is still increasing. Male children are about two times more likely to die due to RTI than female children. RTI are also related to socioeconomic inequalities; low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) account for 95% of global child RTI deaths, and children from poor households are more likely to fall victims to RTI. Intervention strategies promoted in the five pillars of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 are available to prevent mortality and morbidity caused by RTI, though validation and implementation of such interventions are urgently needed in the LMIC. Through concerted efforts to cultivate strong political will, build action and advocacy capacity, increase global funding and enhance multisectoral collaboration promoted by the Sustainable Development Goals, the world is challenged to do better in saving children from RTI.

Pediatric Trauma Care in Low Resource Settings: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions

“…Each year there are over 1 million deaths associated with RTAs and an estimated 20–50 million non-fatal road traffic injuries (RTIs) around the world ( 30 ). These RTAs result in the deaths of 186,300 children (ages 0–17 years) ( 31 ). Boys are twice as likely to be killed in RTAs as girls.…”

“…LMICs account for approximately 95% of all children killed by RTAs, with the brunt of this burden borne by countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 35% of global child deaths from RTAs are in Sub-Saharan Africa ( 31 ). To address this significant problem, several steps should be taken.…”

“…These include building road safety management capacity, improved infrastructure, and enhanced vehicle safety. Also, improved road user behaviors with enforcement of speed limits, seat belt and laws prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol could also make an impact ( 30 , 31 ). Improved pre-hospital, hospital and rehabilitation systems would help reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with RTIs ( 31 ).…”

Engaging minibus taxi drivers in the quest for child safer roads

“…Some of the symptoms included flashbacks of the event, anxiety, fear of re-injury and mood disorders. Most child road deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa; Li et al (2016) found that in 1990, 18.8% of child road deaths had occurred in the region, with the proportion of deaths almost doubling to 35.2% by 2016. South Africa is one of the leading contributors to this public health concern.…”

Child injuries in Ethiopia: A review of the current situation with projections

“…A particular challenge in establishing data systems is the lack of human, technical and financial capacity; which may require international support to address particularly at the early stage of implementing plans for addressing the burden of child injuries in Ethiopia. A comprehensive package with a detailed roadmap will make it possible to reduce the burden of injuries and violence in Ethiopia [ 23 ]. As a starting point, we recommend adding child injuries prevention into the training of Ethiopia’s successful Health Extension Worker Program [ 24 ].…”