Citation

Perel P, McGuire M, Eapen K, Ferraro A. Br. Med. J. BMJ 2004; 328(7444): 895.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.328.7444.895

PMID

15155513

PMCID

PMC416643

Abstract

The dedication of the World Health Organization's World Health Day 2004 to road safety is recognition of the global threat of road traffic injuries. Increasing population size, vehicle ownership, road infrastructure, and transnational transportation have created a substantial public health burden. However, little epidemiological research has been conducted into preventing road traffic injuries in developing countries. Currently global research and development funding per disability adjusted life year for HIV, asthma, and blindness are $26.2, $10.8, and $5.4, respectively, while only $0.40 for road traffic injuries. Epidemiological studies of successful interventions preventing road traffic injuries have been conducted in developed countries. But to assume the same effectiveness in developing countries is inappropriate because of behavioural, vehicular, and environmental differences.