The article analyses statistical data about the occurrence of road accidents and casualties in China from 1951 to 1993, and discusses some relevant 'epidemiological' factors. The total numbers of accidents, fatalities, and injuries are tabulated for 1951, 1955, then every five years to 1980, and every year to 1993. The death rates per 10,000 vehicles (DRV) and per 10,000 people (DRP) are also tabulated for these years. From 1951 to 1993, road accidents, deaths and injuries increased by factors of 41, 75 and 28 times, respectively. The DRV has substantially reduced, but is still much more than in developed countries. The DRP has gradually increased, but is still much less than in developed countries, because of China's much lower car ownership per person. Some facts and figures are also given about: (1) the age and sex of fatalities; (2) the experience of drivers responsible for fatalities; (3) proportions of fatalities from various types of motor accidents; (4) proportions of fatalities in different months of the year; and (5) the locations of fatalities. These figures suggest that, to reduce accidents and casualties, there should be a comprehensive treatment and balancing of the human-vehicle-road system.
Abstract