The Trend And Influencing Factors Of Road Traffic Injury Epidemic In China, 1991～2005

【Objective】To analyze the trend and influencing factors of road traffic injury (RTI) epidemic in China and evaluate the effects of intervening measures, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and control of RTI.【Methods】With published second-hand data, trend of RTI was shown by statistical graph, linear correlation and regression and clustering analysis. Serious road traffic accidents were analyzed by content analysis. Influencing factors and intervening measures of RTI were analyzed by both quantitative and qualitative methods.【Results】1. Trend of RTI in China: Mortality rate per 10 000 vehicle decreased all along from 1991 to 2005 and dropped by 73.87%.2. Influencing factors of RTI trend: There were positive linear correlations between death toll and factors of number of motor-vehicle-drivers, automobile drivers, motor vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles and the length of road (r:0.928, 0.882, 0.928, 0.878, 0.915, 0.946, respectively; P=0.000).3. Evaluation of intervention: The death toll from 2002 to 2005 in China were respectively 109381, 104372, 107077 and 98738. The death toll reduced by 7.8% from 2004 to 2005 while the rule of law for road traffic safety of China was implemented in May of 2004.【Conclusion】The death toll of road traffic accidents has appeared to drop since it reached the peak in 2002. The implementation of rule of law for road traffic safety of China has played an important role to reduce the traffic accident occurrence. It is a credible and convenient method to systemically study on RTI in China using published data, such as "China Statistical Yearbook", "Yearbook of China Transportation & Communication" and "Almanac of China's Population". It is feasible to evaluate the effect of rule of law for road traffic safety by finding out death toll of RTI whether drops after implementation of the rule.