Risk factors for urban road traffic injuries in Hangzhou,China

Objective  To investigate factors that most influence urban road traffic injuries (RTI) mortality and morbidity. Methods  The study used linked police and hospital records of RTI patients in the city of Hangzhou during the 3-year period 2004–2006. Three RTI outcome groups were included: (1) fatally injured; (2) severely injured; and (3) mildly injured persons. Results  High risks for fatal road traffic accidents (RTA) were found on urban links, over weekend, during night hours, in male drivers who drove old vehicles without using seat belts, and at exceeding speeds, or with night time accidents and bad weather condition. In case of higher risk for all urban road users on urban junctions, the numbers on mildly injury cases were increasing. The highest combined risk for dying or being severely injured was found in male drivers driving at excessive speed, on urban links, and with night time accidents. Conclusions  Intensifying safety education of motor vehicle drivers, enhancing traffic management and keeping balance of “person–vehicle–road” system will greatly reduce the urban traffic accidents and casualties.