SOURCE/LINK: http://www.rmmg.org/artigo/detalhes/1613
Minas Gerais Medical Journal (RMMG - Revista Médica de Minas Gerais)
(english version)
Letter to the
Editor
Road safety under the prism of psychoactive
substance consumption in the context of a rising southern hemisphere - great
paradox?
Gilberto Martins Borges Filho
Traffic Doctor
Mailing address to:
Gilberto Martins Borges Filho
E-mail: borgesfo@yahoo.com.br
Received: 04/02/2014
Approved on: 02/06/2014
Institution: Hospital das Clinicas,
University of São Paulo São Paulo, SP - Brazil
Traffic Doctor
Mailing address to:
Gilberto Martins Borges Filho
E-mail: borgesfo@yahoo.com.br
Received: 04/02/2014
Approved on: 02/06/2014
Institution: Hospital das Clinicas,
University of São Paulo São Paulo, SP - Brazil
By 2050, according to the United Nations (UN), Brazil China and India will together
account for 40% of global output.
Comparative studies between different countries reveals, however, that Brazil
stands at fourth-most traffic accidents in the world ranking, according to the
World Health Organization (WHO), behind China, India and Nigeria. These deaths
are related to low human development index (HDI):
Which is based on education, longevity and per capita income. Among the 10 most violent countries on the planet does not appear any of the evolved and distributive capitalism group founded on quality education for all, to spread the ethics and the rule of law and due process and proportionate (Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Austria, etc.). None of the 10 countries are compared in the group of those who have higher HDI (47 in total), with the exception of the United States, which is responsible for the largest fleet of vehicles in the group and the world. Presents, anyway, the lowest number of deaths per 100 000 persons (11.4 versus 22 of Brazil).
Which is based on education, longevity and per capita income. Among the 10 most violent countries on the planet does not appear any of the evolved and distributive capitalism group founded on quality education for all, to spread the ethics and the rule of law and due process and proportionate (Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Austria, etc.). None of the 10 countries are compared in the group of those who have higher HDI (47 in total), with the exception of the United States, which is responsible for the largest fleet of vehicles in the group and the world. Presents, anyway, the lowest number of deaths per 100 000 persons (11.4 versus 22 of Brazil).
The emphasis on these issues is justified by the persistence of high rates of traffic mortality in Brazil, which are unacceptable in more than 376 municipalities, reaching levels beyond 200/100 000 inhabitants, with an estimated cost of 44.6 billion reais (equivalent to $ 18,549 bi)
The development of programs about drinking and driving is in one of the most effective measures to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on public roads.
We need to implement research to establish the differences in
socioeconomic and epidemiological profiles of countries with per capita GDP similar to Brazil and
their correlation with drinking and driving in the world. The selection of
countries on a range of per capita
GDP / 10% above and below that Brazil in 2010, 9540.00 real, selected three of
the Americas (Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay); two of Europe (Russian Federation
and Turkey), one in the Eastern Mediterranean (Lebanon) and Africa (Republic of
Seychelles). The results were as follows: the country with the highest income
was the Republic of Seychelles and the lowest Argentina. Brazil has 194 946 488
inhabitants, with the absolute number of 36,499 deaths in 2010 and the highest
mortality rate in traffic of 22.5 / 100 000 inhabitants. Everyone have a lead agency, as DENATRAN, and road safety strategies,
except Lebanon. Lebanon and Mexico have no criterion of safety of roads and
mobility to construction of new roads. All countries have devices to make
regular inspections of their road infrastructure. Only the Russian Federation
has no policy to promote walking and cycling actions. Lebanon, Mexico and the
Republic of Seychelles does not have political incentives to public
transportation. Brazil has the largest total fleet of registered vehicles,
including those with four wheels; and 71% of those with three or two wheels.
The largest fleet of heavy trucks is located in Mexico and the Russian
Federation. Brazil was among the minority who attended the accession of use of
seat belts front and rear; and some participated in the construction of the
penalty points system for violations of securities laws.
Few data exist on the cost representing the accidents caused by drunk drivers. This is a serious public health issue in more than 376 municipalities spread across all regions of Brazil, which have rates of deaths in traffic accidents over 30/100 thousand inhabitants.
In the prologue of the ”Global status report on road safety 2009”, World Health Organization Director-General wisely says:
Few data exist on the cost representing the accidents caused by drunk drivers. This is a serious public health issue in more than 376 municipalities spread across all regions of Brazil, which have rates of deaths in traffic accidents over 30/100 thousand inhabitants.
In the prologue of the ”Global status report on road safety 2009”, World Health Organization Director-General wisely says:
“Prevention
is by far the better option. We have much of the knowledge and experience
and many of the tools needed to make our
transport systems safe and healthy. Building safer vehicles and roads,
designing infrastructure with the protection of pedestrians and cyclists in mind,
enhancing public transport and improving our personal behavior on the roads
would reduce injuries and contribute to healthier populations generally.
It is necessary for all countries to acquire new concepts to reduce
levels tiniest traffic accidents, as well as their deaths in absolute numbers
and their mortality rates. One of the most important concepts is the
understanding of the preventability of deaths in traffic that shares the zero
vision, strategy approved by the Swedish parliament in 1997 and adopted by the
European Union countries. It is based on the principle that you can never be
ethically acceptable for someone to die or get seriously injured while
traveling by road transport system. Such measures can corroborate opportunities
that Brazil should follow to achieve more effectiveness and efficiency in
solving their socio-economic and environmental problems, besides being global
driver of human development.
Copyright 2014 Minas Gerais Medical Journal
Copyright 2014 Minas Gerais Medical Journal
RMMG - Revista Médica de Minas Gerais
ISSN (on-line): 2238-3182ISSN (Impressa): 0103-880X
