In China, trauma has been the fifth cause of death in the city and the fourth in the country over the last 40 years. Half of the trauma resulted from road traffic accidents. At the present time China possesses around 13 million motor vehicles, accounting for 1.58% of total motor vehicles in the world. However, about 50,000 people died of motor vehicle accidents each year, accounting for 14.3% of total motor vehicle accident deaths in the world. The number of deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles in China varied from 40 to 50 people each year, being significantly more than those in western countries. Recently, the number of deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles per year has gradually reduced, while the total numbers of deaths and injuries in traffic accidents remains unchanged. The reasons are probably: 1. An increased urban population. 2. Traffic congestion. 3. A large proportion of sub standard roads. 4. Lack of advanced traffic regulation. 5. Lack of traffic safety awareness. 6. Poor driving. 7. Poor mechanical quality of vehicles and shortage of safety equipment. Based on these facts, some suggestions are put forward to protect against or reduce road traffic trauma. (A)
Abstract