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Indicator code: RPG2_Traf_E1
Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death in children and young people in the WHO European Region, with unacceptably high rates. An eightfold difference exists between the lowest and highest rates in the Region. Romania is placed in the middle with a rate of 8 deaths per 100,000 population in the age group 0-24 years. Nevertheless, the phenomenon should be kept under further careful control, mainly due to the aggressive driving style of young people under 25, which led to very severe traffic accidents in recent years. Encouragingly, the comparatively low mortality rates achieved by some countries indicate that deaths from RTIs are largely preventable. It is clear that support of traffic safety policies and preventive strategies which proved effective is a must in Romania.
In 2002, the number of reported deaths from RTIs in Romania was 142 deaths for children aged 0-14 years and 251 for young people aged 15-24 years, corresponding to 2.5% and 12%, respectively, of the total number of deaths. In 2005, the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police launched the ”parental program for the prevention and combat of road traffic accidents”, aiming to reduce the fatalities by 5% until the first half of 2006. The program reduced RT fatalities by 13% in 2006 compared to the previous year, and was continued in 2007 in recognition of its positive outcomes.
Time trend analyses of data reported by the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police revealed a relatively stable phenomenon in traffic accidents consequences (fatalities and injuries). Overall, in 2006 the number of RT fatalities and severe injuries has decreased. This might be an effect of the sustained efforts for the promotion of traffic safety in 2005 - 2007. The same data show wide national geographical disparities related of the number of traffic accidents as well as of their consequences.
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