Objective To provide a broad epidemiological view of road traffic injury and death in China to help in policy and infrastructure development.
Methods We searched MEDLINE and the China Academic Journal Full-Text Database (CAJ), and reviewed the annual reports of road traffic injuries, road traffic violations, and motor vehicle drivers in China from the website of Municipal Public Security (MPS) of the People"s Republic of China.
Results
Road crash fatalities had been increasing rapidly in China, risky driving behavior and slow increase in road construction compared with the rapid increase in the number of cars might be the main factors in increasing morbidity and mortality in motor vehicle crashes.
Conclusion
Road traffic safety is a complicated and serious problem in China. Particular attention must be paid to road traffic events and conditions in rural areas, the most vulnerable road users. Government would establish a sound surveillance system using consistent definitions and improve EMS systems throughout China.
[ Key words ]
Road traffic injury;
Traffic
accident; Epidemiology