Traffic accidents and mortality: main risk factors

For several years, road accidents have been one of the main causes of death around the world.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, approximately 1.3 million people die each year in road accidents. More than 90% of these fatalities occur in low and middle income countries, even though these account for only 48% of the world's vehicle fleet. The number of people injured ranges from 20 to 50 million per year.

Road crashes are costly to the victims, their families and their countries. Global losses are estimated at 18 billion USD and amount to 1 to 3% of the GDP.

By 2030, the WHO estimates the number of deaths to reach 2.4 million per year. Road mortality would then become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.

The main causes of road mortality include:

• speeding
• driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances
• lack of safety devices (helmet, seat belt, child car seat)
• distracted driving
• unsafe road infrastructure
• unsafe vehicles
• insufficient prehospital care
• Non-compliance with traffic laws