Epidemiological analysis: Mortality in Chile from traffic accidents between 2002 and 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Traffic accidents can be preventable and understandable. In Chile, they represent a serious public health issue, being an important cause of death and disability in our population. Objective: Describe the trend in the mortality rate from traffic accidents in Chile between 2002-2019 and compare mortality rates by sex and age group. Methodology: Retrospective longitudinal ecological and descriptive study, analyzing mortality data from traffic accidents between 2002 to 2019. Result: The crude mortality rate decreased by 16,1% in total, with men at higher risk of mortality compared to women always, although this difference narrowed through time. Regarding age group, mortality was highest among adults aged 75 and older, as well as among young people aged 15 to 24. Discussion: Despite the decrease in the mortality rate, traffic accidents remain a significant concern. Chile shows lower rates than the global average but higher than those of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Reckless driving is a determining factor in the occurrence of accidents. Conclusion: It is crucial to implement interventions in road safety to reduce deaths and their socioeconomic impact on the population.