Road traffic safety as a public health problem: Evidence from Serbia

Road traffic safety is a significant public health issue. Unfortunately, traffic crashes are frequent, as well as the deaths and injuries caused by them. Our aim was to analyze road traffic crashes in Serbia. Data were obtained from the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and were analyzed to identify the number of reported traffic crashes, the number of consequences (injury and fatality), demographic characteristics, and most common causes that led to accidents. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the analysis of data. From 1999-2007, the number of crashes increased, and from 2008. the number of road crashes has been decreasing. Greatest reduction in the number of road crashes, compared to the previous year, was reported in 2010, after the introduction of the new Law on Traffic Safety in 2009. Car occupants and pedestrians were the most frequent victims of traffic crashes. The majority of road crashes occurred as a result of improper driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Men were more prone to be killed on the roads than women, and the largest number of casualties occurred in the 18-25-years age group. The highest percentage of fatality was reported in the > 65-years age group. Promotion of safe driving behaviors can significantly improve traffic