Modelling traffic injury prevention in low and middle income countries (LMIC) : prospects and challenges

Worldwide, 85% of deaths from road traffic injury (RTI) occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) even though only 40% of all motor vehicles are found in LMICs. Death rates from RTI in high-income countries (HICs) have declined as a result of certain well-documented steps which have been taken. This paper discusses how LMICs and HICs can share models in RTI prevention, while emphasising local adaptation of the strategies and highlighting perspectives. A review of literature on traffic injury prevention, with an application of Haddon's principles of traffic injury prevention, was undertaken. A non-traffic strategy, related to Nigeria's level of economy, was also correlated with injury rates. Proven and promising models are presented, together with means of adaptation, and measures to reduce barriers to accepting their application. Personal documented evidence was used where available. Primary, secondary and tertiary phases of traffic injury prevention are identified, with possibilities for modelling effective strategies within LMICs themselves, and between HICs and LMICs. The non-traffic strategies showed how an inverse relationship exists between a country's overall economy and traffic injury rate, while the Transparency International Index of corruption correlates directly with traffic injury rates. Evidence for modelling abounds, but importing effective measures from one country to another may not succeed, implying the need for improvisation and innovation. Reliable data on traffic injury in LMICs, and implementing results from these data would assist global efforts in reducing traffic injury deaths in LMICs.