[Primary prevention measures for controlling pedestrian injuries and deaths and improving road safety]

At least 30 % of traffic-related injuries involve pedestrians. These events typically result in incapacitating physical injury and may even cause death. Productive-aged men, aged 20 to 45, represent the people generally affected in Latin-America. They tend to be heads of household supporting their families and whose absence greatly affects the home's financial situation. A systematic review was conducted of the burden represented by traffic-related injuries, especially those involving pedestrians, and of the primary preventative measures designed and implemented for controlling fatal and non-fatal injuries to pedestrians by improving road safety. There have been few studies in Latin-America regarding these types of accidents and most interventions aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries have been directed towards vehicle drivers and passengers, little attention being focused on other traffic-related actors. This increases pedestrian inequality and vulnerability. There is a consensus among experts worldwide that rigorous investigation is needed (especially in low- and middle-income countries) to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions focused on other traffic-related actors. This review presents a variety of primary prevention strategies, other than pedestrian bridges, which (according to the available evidence) should start to be implemented. These would include modifying the physical environment, education, speed controls, enforcing legislation and imposing respect for pedestrians, valuing their limitations and vulnerability.