[Mortality in Colombia traffic accidents. Comparative study with other countries]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Road Safety

Background:

• Traffic accidents (TA) cause 1.25 million deaths globally each year, representing a significant public health concern.
• Road safety varies internationally, with countries like Colombia facing greater challenges compared to Spain and the United States (US).
• Comparative analysis is crucial for understanding regional differences in road safety strategies and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare adjusted mortality rates (AMR) from traffic accidents (TA) in Colombia, Spain, and the US.
• To assess the evolution of TA mortality rates over distinct five-year periods across the selected countries.
• To identify disparities in road safety development and policy adherence among Colombia, Spain, and the US.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Adjusted mortality rates (AMR) were calculated using the direct standardization method, stratified by sex and age groups.
• Motorization index adjustments and relative change calculations were performed for comparative analysis across study periods.

Main Results:

• All countries exhibited a significant decrease in AMR between the initial two periods (P1 and P2).
• Spain demonstrated a substantial 52.0% reduction in AMR between P2 and P3, with the US showing a 23.6% decrease.
• Colombia experienced a non-significant 4.0% decrease in AMR, indicating a less favorable mortality trend compared to Spain and the US.

Conclusions:

• Colombia's traffic accident mortality trend is less favorable than Spain's and the US's.
• Men aged 15-44, motorcyclists, and cyclists are disproportionately affected by traffic accidents.
• Colombia should adapt successful international road safety measures to its specific context to address this public health issue.