RETROSPECTIONS ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES AS A SOCIAL BURDEN: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY.
BACKGROUND
Road traffic injuries are a major cause of trauma related morbidity and mortality in our modern society. They have since been recognized as disease entities on their own, as well as a societal problem of serious public health concern.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review article is to promote the understanding of road traffic injuries as both a social burden and a disease entity and to highlight suggested measures capable of curtailing the menace that these injuries pose to human population.


METHODS
A review of the literature on the subject of road traffic injuries as both a social problem and disease entity was done. Historical perspectives, epidemiological information, causative factors and preventive measures were extracted and presented.


RESULTS
Human factors contribute to 95% of road traffic accident. Current deaths from road traffic injuries account for 2.2% of the global mortality affecting all age groups. Health education and enforcement of legislation are key measures in combating road traffic injuries.
Dim Edwin
DE
Maduakonam
Dim Uchenna
DU
Miriam
Nwashindi
N
Arthur
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003906:Developing Countries; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D012940:Social Problems; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control