Mortality due to road traffic accidents in Brazil in the last decade: trends and risk clusters

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trends of mortality due to Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) as well as identify the existence and location of high risk death clusters for RTA using spatial analysis. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive study of temporal trends by RTA, pedestrians, motorcyclists, motorists and passengers and spatial analysis for 2000 and 2010. The data was obtained from the Mortality Information System, and standardized rates were calculated by age in Brazilian states and municipalities grouped by population size. RESULTS: The mortality rates due to RTA between 2000 and 2010 varied from 18 to 22.5 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. The risk of death for pedestrians decreased in recent years, though motorists, motorcyclists and passengers saw a rising trend. A higher risk of death by RTA occurred in municipalities with populations up to 20,000 inhabitants and in those from 20,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. Spatial analysis revealed risk clusters for RTA and motorcyclists and pillion riders with an increase between 2000 and 2010 and enlargement of the areas most at risk in the Northeast. CONCLUSION: Increase in the rates of mortality by RTA mostly in the Northeast. Coordinated action between government, civil society and the citizens themselves is required to tackle this problem.