title: Estimated trends and patterns of road traffic fatalities in China, 2002-2012.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the time trends and age distribution patterns of estimated road traffic fatalities (RTFs) in China over the period 2002-2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on age-, sex-, and region-specific RTF rates were provided by the Chinese Ministry of Health. The crude rates were standardized and the Mann-Kendall test was used to test the significance of time trends. Annual number of RTFs was calculated. To minimize the effect of yearly variations, magnitude of changes in and age distribution patterns of the RTFs were examined using mean values of 2 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RTFs increased significantly in China during the study period. Several features were identified for the RTFs in China. First, RTF rates skyrocketed in rural areas including towns and counties. Second, a significant increase in RTFs was also observed in cities even though the change in RTF rates was not statistically significant there. Third, individuals aged 20-24, 40-49, and 55-64, especially in rural areas, were particularly at risk for RTFs in recent years. Finally, RTFs became more common among middle-aged and older adults than young Chinese, with roughly 57% of all RTFs occurring among individuals aged 45 and above during 2011-2012.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RTFs increased dramatically in China during the past decade, especially in rural areas. Age distribution patterns of RTFs have changed there. Community-based public health education and intervention programs are warranted.
authors.affiliation: a Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Chong-Wen
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: a Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong , Pokfulam , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Cecilia L W
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality*; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D002947:Cities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D014798:Vital Statistics; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: China; mortality; road traffic fatality; time trends