Accidentes de tránsito : problema de salud en países en desarrollo de las Américas

Abstract

Traffic accidents have ceased to be the exclusive domain of the developed countries and have become one of the principal causes of injuries, disabilities, and deaths in some developing countries as well. The Pan American Health Organization has recently instituted a systematic in-depth epidemiologic evaluation of the problem in the Latin American and Caribbean countries. A research questionnaire has been developed and workshops have been held to consider possible courses of action. Current information delineating the extent of the problem and the existing infraestructure dealing with traffic control, accident prevention, health care, and statistical information has been obtained from several countries in the Americas. This article reviews that information, noting conditions needing consideration--including road conditions, pedestrian and driver attitudes, the mix of vehicles, and other relevant parameters. Recorded rates of death and injury are compared with those prevailing in the United States and Canada. Data obtained from two workshops seminars, one dealing with the Caribbean and the other with Colombia, are presented, and recommendations emerging from those workshops are discussed