The epidemiology and hotspots of road traffic injuries in Moshi, Tanzania: An observational study

Joseph M. Reardon, Luciano Andrade, Julian Hertz, George Kiwango, Anneth Teu, Msafiri Pesambili, Deena El-Gabri, Michael Hocker, Mark Mvungi, João Ricardo N. Vissoci, Catherine A. Staton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) continue to increase with the proliferation of motor vehicles, especially in low-income countries where safe road infrastructure is lacking. Knowing where and why RTIs occur would allow for increased safety and prevention planning. In this study, police records of 300 motor vehicle collisions which occurred between February 2013 and January 2014 in Moshi, Tanzania were reviewed. Analysis of variables including victim age, gender, type of collision, conditions, and use of safety equipment were analyzed. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis was performed to identify areas with the most collisions. Most injuries occurred at four intersections on two main corridor. Car crashes represented 48% of reports while motorcycle collisions were 35% of reports. Victims were predominantly male. The majority (64%) of RTI victims in cars used seatbelts while only 43% of motorcyclists wore helmets; none of those who used the helmet or seatbelt suffered a grievous injury. These data demonstrate that RTIs in Moshi occur in predictable high traffic locations. RTIs injure victims of all backgrounds and safety equipment is not universally utilized. More investment is needed in improved data collection methods, and a greater emphasis on intersection safety is needed to reduce these preventable injuries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1363-1370
Number of pages8
JournalInjury
Volume48
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hotspot analysis
  • Road traffic injuries
  • Tanzania

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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