title: The impact of alcohol and road traffic policies on crash rates in Botswana, 2004-2011: a time-series analysis.
abstract: In Botswana, increased development and motorization have brought increased road traffic-related death rates. Between 1981 and 2001, the road traffic-related death rate in Botswana more than tripled. The country has taken several steps over the last several years to address the growing burden of road traffic crashes and particularly to address the burden of alcohol-related crashes. This study examines the impact of the implementation of alcohol and road safety-related policies on crash rates, including overall crash rates, fatal crash rates, and single-vehicle nighttime fatal (SVNF) crash rates, in Botswana from 2004 to 2011. The overall crash rate declined significantly in June 2009 and June 2010, such that the overall crash rate from June 2010 to December 2011 was 22% lower than the overall crash rate from January 2004 to May 2009. Additionally, there were significant declines in average fatal crash and SVNF crash rates in early 2010. Botswana's recent crash rate reductions occurred during a time when aggressive policies and other activities (e.g., education, enforcement) were implemented to reduce alcohol consumption and improve road safety. While it is unclear which of the policies or activities contributed to these declines and to what extent, these reductions are likely the result of several, combined efforts.
authors.affiliation: University of Botswana, School of Nursing, Corner of Notwane and Mobuto Road, Private Bag UB 00712, Gaborone, Botswana. Electronic address: sebegom@mopipi.ub.bw.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sebego
authors.affiliation: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. Electronic address: RNaumann@unc.edu.
authors.forename: Rebecca B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Naumann
authors.affiliation: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: Rose A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rudd
authors.affiliation: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS K-78, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Voetsch
authors.affiliation: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS F-62, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dellinger
authors.affiliation: Botswana Police Service, Lekgarapana Road, Private Bag 0012, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ndlovu
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001902:Botswana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D065186:Interrupted Time Series Analysis; D035846:Law Enforcement; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Alcohol; Injury; Road traffic; Traffic fines