Global, regional, and national burdens of road injuries from 1990 to 2021: Findings from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

Abstract

Background

Road injuries remain a significant global health issue, contributing to a high burden of mortality and disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the global trends in incidence, mortality, and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) due to road injuries is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.

Methods

We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to analyze road injury trends from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), mortality rates (ASMR), and YLDs were calculated across different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. Trends were assessed using the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC), and disparities by age, sex, and cause of injury were evaluated.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, the global ASIR, ASMR, and YLDs due to road injuries showed a declining trend. However, road injury cases and deaths increased in low and middle-SDI regions, while declining in high-SDI regions. In 2021, the highest ASIR was observed in high-SDI regions (851.75 per 100,000 population), while low-SDI regions experienced the highest mortality rates (22.6 per 100,000 population). Males, particularly those aged 15–49 years, bore the greatest burden of road injuries, accounting for over 60% of YLDs globally. Pedestrian and motorcycle-related injuries were predominant in low-SDI regions.

Conclusion

While global road safety interventions have reduced the burden of road injuries, substantial disparities remain between SDI regions. Targeted interventions are needed to address the high burden of road injuries in low-SDI regions, focusing on improving infrastructure and healthcare access.