Road Safety Vital For Healthier Society

Road traffic injuries represent a significant but often overlooked public health crisis, demanding unified and sustained efforts for comprehensive and enduring prevention. Among the myriad systems that individuals encounter daily, road traffic systems stand out as the most intricate and dangerous. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an alarming 1.2 million people lose their lives annually due to road traffic crashes and as many as 50 million are injured. In fact, road traffic injuries are emerging as the primary cause of death for individuals aged 5–29 years. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that a staggering 92 per cent of global road fatalities transpire in low- and middle-income countries. 

In Nepal, the road traffic injury mortality rate was 16 per 100,000 people in 2019, and there is a presumption that this figure has likely risen since then. Rapid urbanisation, coupled with advancements in technology and a surge in vehicular traffic, has presented significant challenges to road safety in Nepal. This issue is a pivotal concern in the pursuit of a healthier and safer society. The intricate relationship between road safety and public health emphasises the multifaceted benefits of prioritising safety on our roads. 

Medical attention

Accidents often lead to physical injuries that require medical attention. Beyond the physical injuries sustained in accidents, road safety directly influences the overall health of individuals. Long-term consequences can include disabilities that affect the overall well-being of the people. The mental health of survivors and witnesses may also be impacted, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Preventing accidents minimises fatalities, disabilities, and other health issues. Furthermore, a safer road environment contributes to improved mental health, reducing stress and anxiety associated with the fear of accidents.

Underscoring the importance of this matter, the WHO and the World Bank had collaboratively released the inaugural World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention in 2004. Since then, this initiative has achieved significant milestones, culminating in the unveiling of the fifth Global Status Report on Road Safety in December 2023. This ongoing commitment reflects the dedication of these global communities towards addressing and improving road safety on a comprehensive scale.

The interplay of equity, social, and environmental determinants significantly influences both road safety and public health outcomes. Generally, vulnerable populations, such as pedestrians, children, cyclists, and those with limited access to education and resources, are disproportionately affected by road accidents. Hence, equity considerations underscore the importance of ensuring fair access to safe transportation infrastructure and resources for all individuals, irrespective of socio-economic factors. Social determinants, including cultural norms, education levels, and community cohesion, also play a pivotal role in shaping road safety behaviours and outcomes. 

Meanwhile, environmental factors such as urban planning, traffic management, and the presence of pedestrian-friendly spaces contribute to the overall safety of road users and the surrounding community. Recognising and addressing these determinants are crucial for developing effective and inclusive strategies to enhance road safety and public health. To achieve effective road safety measures, collaboration among experts, engineers, bureaucrats, and policymakers is essential. However, in Nepal, political influences often override this cooperation, leading to poorly planned projects. For instance, the recently inaugurated dedicated fast lane for buses in Ratnapark-Suryabinayak route deviates from global safety standards and lacks proper guidance for users, increasing accident risks. 

Similarly, bicycle lanes inaugurated in 2019 in Lalitpur suffer from inadequate enforcement and dangerous placement within regular traffic lanes. These failures underscore the need for comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analyses and adherence to expert recommendations in road safety initiatives. Implementing comprehensive public health interventions is essential for enhancing road safety. Key components contributing to a holistic approach include education and awareness campaigns. These involve the development and implementation of widespread educational programmes targeting diverse populations to raise awareness about the importance of road safety rules, responsible driving, and the risks associated with unsafe traffic behaviors.

Community engagement is another vital aspect, emphasising the need for community involvement in road safety initiatives to address local needs. Encouraging community-based organisations to promote safe traffic practices and cultivate a culture of accountability plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of shared responsibility for road safety. Enforcement of traffic laws is pivotal for ensuring adherence to regulations. This component advocates for the strengthening of law enforcement measures and the implementation of strict penalties for violations to deter unsafe behaviors and enhance compliance.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure improvement focuses on investing in the design and maintenance of road infrastructure with a safety-centric approach. This includes integrating features such as pedestrian-friendly crossings, modern traffic lights, well-marked lanes, and adequate signage to create safer environments for all road users. Vehicle safety standards constitute another key element, urging the enforcement and enhancement of standards to reduce the risk of accidents. Promoting the use of safety technologies, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, in all vehicles contributes to overall road safety.

To summarise, effective interventions in road safety rely on robust data collection and analysis, identifying trends and high-risk areas. Strengthening emergency trauma services ensures swift and efficient care for victims, while paramedic training improves response to traffic-related emergencies. Collaboration among government, non-profits, and healthcare providers enhances intervention effectiveness through pooled resources. Integration with public health programmes addresses holistic health issues, emphasising the importance of enforcing traffic laws, infrastructure improvement, public awareness, and enhanced emergency services for a safer society.

(The author is a senior scientist based in Germany pushpa.joshi@gmail.com)