[Epidemiological features and determinants of road injury in China]

Information on road injury with analyses on the epidemiological features and determinants of fatality rate with prevention and control of road injury was presented in this paper. From 1951 to 1994, road injury and motor vehicle deaths had a continuous increase by 43 and 78 times respectively. Since 1987 about 250,000 cases, 5000 deaths and 15,000 trauma cases caused by road crashes year after year. The fatality rate increased by an average of 12.9% increase per year from 1984 to 1994 (from 2.43 to 5.56 per 100,000 pop). Zhejiang, Guangdong, Liaoning, Sichuan and Jiangsu occupied the first five places in 30 provinces, accounted for over 45% of total road injuries and one thirds of road fatalities. Both incidence and death rate were lowest in Beijing City and highest in Zhejiang Province. Three-quarters of the fatality on road injury were occurred on smooth and straight pavement in sunny days. Over 60% of the motor vehicle deaths were young males (age 20-50 yrs). Classified by occupation, majority of the victims were peasants (55%) and workers (19%). Two thirds of the road fatalities were pedestrians, bicycle riders and passengers. Human factors including driver's irresponsibility, non-licensing, bicycle rider and pedestrian carelessness, etc. were notified that accounted for over 90% of the causes for road injury. Primary causes from the drivers were rules and regulations violation, absent-mindedness, driving after drinking alcohol. The risk factors of road injuries were the increase of motor vehicles and traffic congestion. It is also necessary to improve the traffic safety knowledge among residents.