The epidemiology and hotspots of road traffic injuries in Moshi, Tanzania: An observational study.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) continue to increase with the proliferation of motor vehicles, especially in low-income countries where safe road infrastructure is lacking. Knowing where and why RTIs occur would allow for increased safety and prevention planning. In this study, police records of 300 motor vehicle collisions which occurred between February 2013 and January 2014 in Moshi, Tanzania were reviewed. Analysis of variables including victim age, gender, type of collision, conditions, and use of safety equipment were analyzed. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis was performed to identify areas with the most collisions. Most injuries occurred at four intersections on two main corridor. Car crashes represented 48% of reports while motorcycle collisions were 35% of reports. Victims were predominantly male. The majority (64%) of RTI victims in cars used seatbelts while only 43% of motorcyclists wore helmets; none of those who used the helmet or seatbelt suffered a grievous injury. These data demonstrate that RTIs in Moshi occur in predictable high traffic locations. RTIs injure victims of all backgrounds and safety equipment is not universally utilized. More investment is needed in improved data collection methods, and a greater emphasis on intersection safety is needed to reduce these preventable injuries.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Reardon, JM; Andrade, L; Hertz, J; Kiwango, G; Teu, A; Pesambili, M; El-Gabri, D; Hocker, M; Mvungi, M; Vissoci, JRN; Staton, CA

Published Date

  • July 2017

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 48 / 7

Start / End Page

  • 1363 - 1370

PubMed ID

  • 28529012

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5545685

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1879-0267

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.injury.2017.05.004

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Netherlands