Open AccessWhy a Decade of Road Traffic Safety?
Author(s) -
Herman Johal,
Emil H. Schemitsch,
Mohit Bhandari
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000000104
Subject(s) - medicine , occupational safety and health , poison control , road traffic , injury prevention , suicide prevention , public health , transport engineering , environmental health , engineering , nursing , pathology
Each year, 1.24 million people die as a result of road traffic collisions around the world, and millions more are left to suffer the resultant disabilities of their nonfatal typically musculoskeletal injuries. The most productive members of society are the ones affected the most, and the subsequent economic impact cannot be ignored. Reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with road traffic injuries will reduce suffering and increase available resources that can be used more effectively. Road traffic injuries are preventable, and the impact of those that do occur can be mitigated. Adequate national and global funding, strategy, and measurable targets are fundamental to a sustainable response to road safety. Over the last decade, the United Nations and World Health Organization have been part of the gaining momentum toward addressing this issue, through resolutions and coordinating global efforts. This is what brought about the "Decade of Action for Road Traffic Safety," and as orthopaedic surgeons, our involvement is key for the collaborative public health response toward this effort.