Road Traffic Injury Measures Worldwide: Towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

About this Research Topic

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Background

The escalating toll of road traffic injuries (RTIs) globally underscores a significant obstacle in the path to sustainable development, with more than 1.19 million people losing their lives each year. While some progress has been made in reducing RTIs in affluent nations from 2011 to 2020, low- and middle-income countries continue to experience surging fatalities, revealing substantial disparities in road safety outcomes. Recent studies indicate that despite overall declines in fatality rates, the economic and social costs of RTIs remain disproportionately high in less affluent regions. Furthermore, the necessity for an integrated surveillance system as highlighted in community-based studies emphasizes the need for improved data collection and analysis for creating effective safety measures that are culturally and economically appropriate.

This research topic aims to dissect the uneven progress in achieving road safety as delineated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on infrastructure and policy frameworks in low- and middle-income countries. By delving into how different economic conditions impact the efficacy of safety interventions, this topic will explore underlying factors contributing to variances in RTI outcomes. Through this analysis, we aim to highlight the gaps in current road safety approaches and explore tailored strategies that align better with both global standards and local realities. Particular attention will be paid to the cost of RTIs and the public's willingness to improve road safety as detailed in recent studies using the willingness to pay (WTP) method.

To bridge the significant divergence in RTI rates observed globally under the SDG framework, the scope of this research includes but is not limited to the following areas:

o Comparative analysis of road safety measures and their outcomes across different economic spectrums;
o Evaluative studies on the efficiency and adaptability of infrastructure to meet SDG targets in developing regions;
o Impact assessments of policy modifications and public safety campaigns tailored to resource-constrained environments;
o Cross-regional studies to highlight and potentially replicate successful interventions from low-income nations;
o Examination of enforcement mechanisms and behavioral change strategies to ascertain methods effective in diverse cultural settings, with a special orientation towards the needs outlined in recent epidemiological and economic studies from Iran.

In addition, this collection focuses on road traffic safety and fatalities worldwide, comparing current practices to global standards. Submissions of analysis of fatality rates and trends, assessment of road safety measures, evaluation of infrastructure quality, examination of driver behavior, enforcement of legislation, and exploration of technological innovations are welcomed into this collection. Cultural attitudes and community engagement in promoting safer driving practices are also considered. Comparative studies with other regions are encouraged to identify best practices. Interdisciplinary approaches that blend public health, engineering, sociology, and policy studies are encouraged for a comprehensive understanding of road safety challenges and solutions globally.

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Keywords: road traffic injuries, RTIs, global road safety, SDGs, transportation safety

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