A contemporary analysis of road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries in Trinidad and Tobago.

Abstract

Road safety, in particular pedestrian safety, is a problem in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were derived from the database of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Road traffic crashes in Trinidad and Tobago are largely an urban problem. Four urban areas accounted for nearly three-quarters of reported road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries. Pedestrians, passengers and drivers accounted for 93% of fatalities and 95% of injuries due to road traffic crashes in 2000. Pedestrians alone accounted for 42% of fatalities and 34% of injuries in 2000. Trends over time show that there has been a decline in fatality rates from 17 deaths per 100,000 population in 1960 to 10 deaths per 100,000 population in 2000, despite rapid motorization. Motorization increased four-fold from 63 registered vehicles per 1000 population in 1960 to 250 vehicles per 1000 population in 2000. In conclusion, effort should be intensified to ensure safety for all road users and, in particular, pedestrians, passengers and drivers. Improved data collection and operational research would improve monitoring and evaluation of policy interventions.