The potential for road accident reduction in developing countries

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Abstract
This paper illustrates the seriousness of the road accident problem in countries of the Third World by examining the cost of these accidents and also by comparing road accident fatalities with other causes of death. The paper then attempts to answer the largely hypothetical question, ‘If fatality and injury rates are thought to be too high at present in these countries, to what level could they be realistically reduced?’ Results from the various methods used suggest that existing numbers of deaths and injuries could be reduced by between 30 and 40%, thus saving 40 000 to 50000 lives in the Third World each year. A comparison of those countries with particularly high fatality rates with those with particularly low rates showed that factors such as drinking and driving legislation and level of medical facilities available may be playing an important role in reducing fatality rates. The paper stresses the need for careful monitoring of remedial measures when introduced and an assessment made of their cost‐effectiveness. In this way it is hoped that scarce financial resources are not wasted and that a greater understanding is built up of the effectiveness of road safety countermeasures in developing countries.

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