Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 19, Issue 3 , Pages 152-158, September 2007

Road Traffic Casualties and Risky Driving Behavior in Hualien County, 2001–2005

  • Yin-Ming Li

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Family Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, 707, Section 3, Chung Yang Road, Hualien, Taiwan

Department of Family Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Received 12 March 2007; received in revised form 19 April 2007; accepted 4 May 2007.

Article Outline

Abstract 

Objectives

The highest number of road traffic fatalities has consistently occurred in eastern Taiwan, with an average of 150 lives lost in 1 year. In this study, the risk of fatal crashes caused by drivers' error was assessed, including controlling environmental factors or types of crash.

Materials and Methods

Police records of motor vehicle crashes occurring in Hualien county, from January 2001 to December 2005, were used. The analyses were based on 9611 crashes caused by drivers' error.

Results

On average, the fatality rate was 5.2%. Half of the deaths were caused by drivers' driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and speeding. Risky driving behavior was more common in rural areas. Multivariate analysis showed that DUI and speeding were significant factors associated with fatality in rural areas.

Conclusion

Risky driving behavior is common in rural areas in eastern Taiwan. The characteristics of road users and the efficiency of trauma rescue systems should be further assessed. Road safety campaigns and public transport education should be discussed.

Keywords:  Hualien county , Risky driving behavior , Road traffic fatality

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PII: S1016-3190(10)60008-0

doi:10.1016/S1016-3190(10)60008-0

Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 19, Issue 3 , Pages 152-158, September 2007

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