General Information:

• 1.24 million people die each year on the world's roads
• 50% of those dying on the world’s roads are vulnerable road users (VRUs-- those most at risk in traffic, i.e. those unprotected by an outside shield)
  • 23% motorcyclists, 22% pedestrians, 5% cyclists
  • Children and elderly are overrepresented among victims

Area of the world affected:

• In 2010, low- and middle-income countries had higher road traffic fatality rates (18.3 and 20.1 per 100,000, respectively) compared to high-income countries (8.7).
• The African region had the highest road traffic fatality rate, at 24.1, while the European region had the lowest rate, at 10.3.

Relevance to the US physician:

• While public health measures are key in reducing the risk to VRUs, improving the provision of emergency medical services may also result in a higher proportion of victims surviving on the road or on the way to a health clinic.
• Travelers should also be mindful of the risks of motorcycles, bicycles, and walking along the roadside

Bottom Line:

VRU traffic injuries are the greatest challenge of today's worldwide road safety. 

University of Maryland Section of Global Emergency Health

Author: Terrence Mulligan DO, MPH

References

http://www.who.int/gho/road_safety/en/

http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1000228

http://www.grsproadsafety.org/our-knowledge/safer-road-users/vulnerable-road-users