After 10 years, traffic collisions are the leading cause of death among young people up to 24 years old. Every year almost 400,000 young people under 25 years of age die (more than 1000 a day) as a result of these accidents and several million more suffer injuries or become disabled.
Where do most deaths and injuries occur? Is there any social class that has a higher risk? What are the reasons that children are more vulnerable? These and other questions are answered in the Ten facts about youth and road safety published by the World Health Organization.
The vast majority of deaths and injuries occur in low and middle income countries, with higher rates in Africa and the Middle East. Young people from economically disadvantaged environments are the ones most at risk in all countries.
According to WHO, young people are at greater risk of road traffic injuries because the road network is planned without sufficiently considering its specific needs; also due to their physical and developmental characteristics (for example, the small size of children) increase their risk.
There is also the tendency to adopt risk behaviors and peer pressure, especially among adolescents, and other risk factors such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or not using the case or seat belt.
Every day more than 1000 children and young adults (under 25 years old) die in traffic accidents. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in the group of 10 to 24 years.
In low and middle-income countries, the majority of young people who die or suffer road traffic injuries are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists or users of public transport. In high-income countries, the majority of young victims are novice drivers.
During the construction of roads and the planning of road safety initiatives, regulatory bodies have to recognize the vulnerability of children, their relative inexperience, the differences of their stage of development and their need to play and travel in safe conditions .
Speeding is the traffic violation most committed by young male drivers, and is responsible for up to one third of all traffic accidents. Gradual driving licenses prohibit novice drivers from driving on roads with high speed limits.
Young and inexperienced drivers with breathalyzer rates greater than 0.05 g / dl have a 2.5 times greater risk of accidents than older and more experienced drivers. Appropriate breathalyzer rates for novice drivers must be set and enforced.
The use of the helmet is the most effective measure to reduce trauma craniocerebral and motorcycle accident deaths. The use of the helmet should also be encouraged in children when riding a bicycle.
The correct use of the seat belt can reduce the risk of death by up to 61% in the event of an accident. Campaigns on belt use should focus on young drivers and passengers, who are the most likely not to use it.
The mandatory use of containment systems for children can reduce their mortality by up to 35%. Children should use containment systems appropriate for their age and weight.
It can be difficult to see pedestrians and cyclists driving along the road, especially at night. Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing can make them more visible and help prevent them from being run over.
Children are different from adults from a physical, psychological and physiological point of view. The quality and type of care they receive impact on their overall recovery after an accident and their ability to become fully active members of their community.
As we can see, the emphasis is placed on teenagers as victims and responsible for accidents in many of these data on young people and road safety. Our children are still small, but they already travel by car, go by bicycle or are pedestrians: let's not forget the security measures to protect them. In addition, the time will come when they drive, so it is time for them to have a driver's education and to give them a good example.
