Determinants of work-related road traffic injuries in Spain: an ecological study

To identify and evaluate the economic, technical, social, and legislative factors influencing the social costs of work-related road traffic injuries across Spanish provinces during 2011-2022. The analysis differentiates by injury severity (serious or slight) and by type of injury ("while on mission" or "in itinere"). Special attention is given to the worker's sex as a differentiating factor.

Panel data regression models were applied to analyse the relationship between the social cost of work-related traffic injuries and several contextual variables identified in previous studies, such as infrastructure investment, motorization rates, and the implementation of road safety controls, among others.

Marked heterogeneity was observed across provinces. Higher unemployment rates were associated with lower overall injury costs, but with increased costs of serious commuting injuries for women on their way to work (coef.: 2.84) and for men on their way home (coef.: 2.69). The enforcement of traffic laws was associated with a reduction in costs; however, risks related to substance use may offset this effect in serious injuries among men on duty (coef.: 3.65) and women returning home (coef. 2.09).

The combined influence of economic, social, and legislative factors on the social costs of work-related traffic injuries is confirmed. The findings underscore the need for integrated mobility policies and occupational risk prevention strategies that enhance safety, reduce exposure, and address sex and regional differences.