Road traffic accidents in Tanzania: a ten year epidemiological appraisal

A descriptive analysis of road traffic accidents data in Tanzania was done using routine police records. The trends, road users injured or killed and conservative factors were recorded. The results showed that between 1990 and 2000 the number of road traffic accidents rose by 44% from a total 10,107. At the same time the number of associated injuries increased by more than 44% and that of death by more than 64% during the same period. A total of 56% of the injured were passengers followed by pedestrian (25%) while the dead included passengers. Inappropriate road use behaviours by different road users were reported to be the major cause of accidents with driver's inappropriate behaviour contributing 52%. It is suggested that police data collection be strengthened and also be linked to health data. Such data will then provide information on the type of intervention necessary for various stages before and after injury has occurred and will also show the true burden of injuries in the country