Citation

Wang ZG. J. Traffic Med. 1998; 26(3-4): 91-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Objective: Analysis of epidemiologic data of road traffic accidents (RTA) in China in 1995 was carried out. Methods: Data were gathered from the Traffic Administration Bureau, and Science and Technology Daily, then analyzed and discussed. Results: (1) With the rapid development of Chinese economy and rapid increase of motor vehicles, the contradiction between traffic requirements and highway construction is getting sharper. Over 70,000 people died of RTA in 1995. (2) 90% of RTA resulted from drivers' violations of traffic regulations and caused an increase of mortality by 10% compared with that in 1994. In addition, the incidence of RTA from nonprofessional drivers and those without licenses increased by 53.3% and 15.9%, respectively. (3) The incidence of RTA and deaths at night increased by 12.8% and 15.1%, respectively. The increased rate of mortality was 11% higher than that in the day. (4) 70% of RTA was related to bicycles. (5) In February and March, the transportation of passengers and goods increased significantly, but the incidence of RTA and the amount of deaths declined remarkably. Also, in some economically developed provinces or big cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong, the mortality rate per 10,000 drivers was less than 8/10,000, less than the mean mortality of the whole country (22.48 people). One of the main reasons for this is strengthening of traffic administration. Conclusion: In China, though the contradiction between economic development and traffic safety is getting sharper, strengthening traffic administration can reduce RTA.