Evidence-based interventions for road traffic injuries in South Asia

Injuries and deaths due to road traffic injuries (RTI) have become one of the most serious health problems in most countries of South Asia. Young adults are more likely to die in a serious road traffic crash than from most other diseases. Systematic reviews of international scientific literature provide insights for the South Asian road safety community. Detailed information about proven effective interventions is provided in this paper. For example, education programmes are usually, in themselves, insufficient to change overall behaviour, red light cameras reduce red light violations and intersection crashes by 25-40%. Helmet use reduces bicycle and motorcycle related head and facial injuries for all ages involved in all types of crashes, including those involving motor vehicles. Use of seat belts and equipping cars with airbags can reduce car occupant fatalities by over 30%. Traffic calming techniques, the use of roundabouts and the provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in urban areas provide significant safety benefits.