Road safety in China: Analysis of current challenges

Introduction China has the world's largest population, and is the second largest automobile market China's economy is booming, resulting in a rapid increase in both the road infrastructure and access to private vehicles Along with economic growth. the ownership of motorized vehicles has almost quadrupled in the past 10 yea's, from 422 million in 1997 to 159 7 million in 2007 However, at the same time. China also has a very high number of load fatalities compared to other countries, with about 100,000 reported fatalities each year Method This study analyzes the Chinese road-fatality situation to identify areas in which the total harm caused by crashes can be substantially and readily reduced It provides a comprehensive analysis of the current road-fatality situation in China using conventional indices and the likely future trends Results Four areas were identified in which countermeasures have the most potential to substantially reduce fatalities in China pedestrians and other non-motorists, nighttime driving, vehicle passengers, and motorcycles Conclusion While China faces unprecedented road safety issues, this report identifies major areas in which there are opportunities to greatly reduce total harm (C) 2010 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved