Road traffic injuries and fatalities in Dominican Republic, 2017-2021: a neglected epidemic

Abstract

Background: Road traffic injuries and fatalities are a major public health concern in the Dominican Republic. Despite efforts to improve road safety, the number of deaths and injuries remains high. This study aims to analyze the epidemiology of road traffic fatalities and injuries in the country from 2017 to 2021.

Methods: Data on road traffic injuries and fatalities were collected from the National Police Department, the Ministry of Health, and hospitals across the country. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including age, sex, and type of vehicle involved in the crash.

Results: During the study period, there were 513,629 road traffic injuries and 14,692 fatalities in the Dominican Republic. The majority of those involved in crashes were males aged between 20-39 years old. Motorcycles were the most common type of vehicle involved in crashes. There was a significant reduction in the number of injuries and deaths in 2020, likely due to mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: Road traffic injuries and fatalities in the Dominican Republic are a neglected epidemic that requires immediate attention. Improving road safety measures, targeting high-risk groups, and implementing safer pedestrian infrastructure are essential to reducing the number of injuries and deaths on the country's roads.