Determinants of Fatal Road Traffic Injuries in Côte d’Ivoire from 2002 to 2011

Introduction : In most developing countries, with rapidly changing lifestyles, urbanization, and increasing numbers of vehicles, Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) are expected to have a growing impact on mortality and morbidity.The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with fatal RTI in Côte d’Ivoire.Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional study of data concerning RTI in Côte d’Ivoire over a ten-year period (2002 to 2011) from the Road Safety Office (RSO) database. All RTI reported by the police were included in the study. Fatal RTI was the dependent variable, while sociodemographic, behavioural and environmental risk factors were independent variables. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 16 software.Results : Out of a total of 56,966 reported RTI, 3008 were fatal, representing 0.6 deaths per 100,000. The majority (93.5%) of RTI occurred in urban areas. Pedestrian victims were identified in more than one half (59.3%) of cases. Subjects under the age of 18 and subjects between the ages of 43 and 47 years had 2.4-fold and 4.9-fold higher risks of fatal accidents, respectively. Excessive speed (OR = 5.3 ; p = 0.000) and dangerous overtaking (OR = 4.9 ; p = 0.000) were the leading causes of fatal accidents. Mechanical failure was also a risk factor (OR = 3.9 ; p < 0.005). The risk of a fatal accident was 6.8-fold higher in rural areas than in urban areas.Conclusion : Fatal RTI were related to human and environmental factors, hence the need for awareness campaigns to promote behaviour changes among road users.