Road Traffic Injuries-An Ignored Public Health Issue in India

RTI Photo - web

(Photo Credits- Biswarup Ganguly)

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.24 million road traffic deaths occur every year globally. Of those, the majority (80%) of deaths occur only in middle income countries.Road traffic injuries  are never considered a public health issue in India, rather reported as just any other event. India leads the world in terms of mortality from road traffic injuries.In India, road traffic injuries pose a significant public health challenge to the already overburdened health system, and hamper the economic development of the country.Three Es are important in preventing lots of death from road traffic injuries. Education in increasing awareness on road safety measures and behavior change among general public is important. Establishing and designing  proper roads is more important. Most important is political will in stricter Enforcement of road safety laws.
 
Link to Manoj Pati’s  blog in BMJ can be found from here.