The Study of Avoidable Mortality Due to Road Traffic Accidents during 2004-2010: A Case Study in Kerman, Iran

Road traffic accidents are one of the major problems of public health and also one of the most important factors of mortality which leads to serious human and financial injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of avoidable deaths due to road accidents in Kerman province, Iran. The present study was a longitudinal survey. A checklist was applied for data collection. Avoidable deaths due to road accidents were examined in Kerman province between 2004 and 2010. The statistical population of this research consisted of all deaths from road accidents recorded in the statistics unit of the health deputy of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. They were all studied through a census method. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and analytical tests through SPSS software. In total, 1435 deaths were examined. Most cases were male (76.3%) and their average age was 34.5 ± 11.9. It was shown that the number of deaths among women and men were 34 and 1095 deaths, respectively. Findings show that, during this time period, deaths have increased 6% and 5% among males and females, respectively. Discussion and Considering the increasing trend of road traffic deaths, their prevention can improve health system performance. Therefore, reducing road traffic deaths requires taking coordinated actions in all related sectors.