Statistics of road traffic accidents in Europe and North America

This publication (volume LVI) presents annual statistics on road traffic accidents, providing comparable data on causes, types, and results in Europe, Canada, and the United States. It includes information on accidents while under the influence of alcohol, the number of persons killed or injured, and estimates of population and distribution by age group.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 167 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: United Nations

This comprehensive publication (volume LVI) presents a wealth of annual statistics on road traffic accidents, offering valuable insights into the causes, types, and outcomes of such incidents across Europe, Canada, and the United States. Organized meticulously by the nature of the accident, the surrounding environment, the involvement of alcohol, and the number of fatalities or injuries sustained by different categories of road users and age groups, the data provides a thorough examination of the dynamics of road accidents. As a backdrop to the statistical analysis, the publication includes figures detailing the number of road vehicles in operation, the vehicle-kilometers traveled by these vehicles, and estimates of the population and distribution by age group. This annual publication serves as a vital resource for those engaged in transportation planning and road safety initiatives, offering essential data to inform decision-making processes and promote safer road environments.

Introduction:
The annual publication presented in this volume (volume LVI) offers a comprehensive examination of road traffic accidents, providing valuable insights into the causes, types, and outcomes of such incidents across Europe, Canada, and the United States. Organized meticulously by the nature of the accident, the surrounding environment, the involvement of alcohol, and the number of fatalities or injuries sustained by different categories of road users and age groups, the data provides a thorough examination of the dynamics of road accidents. As a backdrop to the statistical analysis, the publication includes figures detailing the number of road vehicles in operation, the vehicle-kilometers traveled by these vehicles, and estimates of the population and distribution by age group. This annual publication serves as a vital resource for those engaged in transportation planning and road safety initiatives, offering essential data to inform decision-making processes and promote safer road environments.

Nature of Accidents:
The publication begins by presenting data on the nature of accidents, categorizing them into various sub-groups based on factors such as the type of road, the weather conditions, and the time of day. This information helps in understanding the patterns and trends associated with different types of accidents and enables targeted interventions to be implemented to reduce their occurrence. For instance, accidents involving drunk driving are particularly concerning, as they can have severe consequences for both the driver and other road users. The publication provides statistics on the number of alcohol-related accidents and the percentage of fatalities or injuries caused by drunk driving.

Surrounding Environment:
The surrounding environment also plays a significant role in road traffic accidents. Factors such as road design, lighting, and signage can impact the safety of road users. The publication includes data on the number of accidents occurring in different types of road environments, such as urban areas, rural areas, and highways. This information helps in identifying areas of concern and implementing measures to improve road safety in those areas. For example, poorly designed intersections or inadequate lighting can contribute to accidents, and the publication highlights these factors as potential areas for improvement.

Involvement of Alcohol:
Alcohol is a major contributor to road traffic accidents, and the publication provides statistics on the number of accidents involving alcohol and the percentage of fatalities or injuries caused by alcohol. This information is crucial in understanding the impact of alcohol on road safety and in developing strategies to prevent alcohol-related accidents. The publication also highlights the legal consequences of drunk driving, emphasizing the importance of deterring and punishing those who drive under the influence.

Number of Fatalities or Injuries:
The most crucial aspect of the publication is the presentation of data on the number of fatalities or injuries caused by road traffic accidents. This information helps in assessing the severity of the problem and in identifying areas that require immediate attention. The publication provides statistics on the number of deaths and injuries by age group, allowing for a better understanding of the impact of accidents on different segments of the population. For instance, accidents involving young drivers or older drivers may have different consequences, and the publication highlights these differences to inform targeted interventions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the annual publication presented in this volume (volume LVI) offers a wealth of statistical information on road traffic accidents. By providing data on the nature of accidents, the surrounding environment, the involvement of alcohol, and the number of fatalities or injuries sustained by different categories of road users and age groups, the publication serves as a valuable resource for those engaged in transportation planning and road safety initiatives. The data presented in the publication can help in identifying areas of concern, developing targeted interventions, and promoting safer road environments. It is essential to continue to invest in research and data collection to improve our understanding of road traffic accidents and to develop effective strategies to prevent them.

Dimension: 300 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789211172775
Edition number: Vol. 56, 2021