Mortality Rate from Road Traffic Accidents in Urban Areas, Health Region 9, 2023

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents represent a global public health crisis, particularly in urban areas where rapid urbanization, complex transportation systems, traffic congestion, and urban lifestyles increase the risk of fatal injuries. These incidents impose significant health, economic, social, and developmental burdens. This study aimed to investigate the mortality rate from road traffic accidents in the urban areas of Health Region 9.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data on injured and deceased patients from road traffic accidents in urban areas covering 60 subdistricts of Health Region 9. Data were obtained from healthcare facilities reporting to the Injury Surveillance (IS) Version PHER Plus system between January 1 and December 31, 2023, totaling 5,474 cases. Mortality rates from road traffic accidents were analyzed with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: In 2023, a total of 5,474 road traffic accident cases were reported in urban areas of Health Region 9, including 129 deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 12.99 per 100,000 population (95 % CI: 10.94–15.44). Among provinces, Surin had the highest mortality rate at 23.17 per 100,000 population (95 % CI: 15.44–34.76). The case fatality rate (CFR) among injured patients was 2.36 %, with higher CFRs observed in males 3.27 % (95% CI: 2.68–3.97), the elderly aged ≥60 years 5.41 % (95% CI: 3.73–7.56), pedestrians 11.33% (95% CI: 7.20–17.40), non–protective equipment users (2.81%; 95% CI: 2.33–3.39), and those injured by collisions with vehicles, obstacles, or animals 3.71 % (95% CI: 3.09–4.46). Higher CFRs were also observed among car users 3.40 % (95% CI: 1.79–6.33), individuals injured on rural highways 6.25% (95% CI: 2.70–13.81), and during evening–night hours (18:00–23:59) 3.23% (95% CI: 2.46–4.23).

Conclusion: Urban areas in Health Region 9 exhibited a road traffic mortality rate exceeding the national target (≤12 per 100,000 population by 2027). High-risk groups included males, the elderly, pedestrians, and non-protective equipment users. Strategies to reduce fatalities should include stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, promotion of protective equipment use, enhanced surveillance during high-risk periods, and improvement of road infrastructure, particularly rural highways, to ensure safety for urban populations.