Trends in mortality for traffic accidents in Italy, 1997-2001

Background: The mortality due to traffic accidents is one of the main causes of death in Mediterranean countries among young people. It is considered a cause of death avoidable by primary prevention towards several risk factors. Mortality related to traffic accidents is also an important proxy indicator of population's alcohol and occasionally drug abuse. Methods: Mortality rates for traffic accidents are calculated in Italy between 1997-2001 for: age, regions and gender. Mortality data were obtained from the Italian Population Register (ISTAT) and based on the ICD9-CM. Rates are directly standardised to the Italian standard population. Results: Approximately 7,000 persons every year die for traffic accidents, with more elevated risk in the males (RR=3.5). We observed a global reduction in mortality rate for traffic accidents from 21.1/100,000 to 18.6/100,000 male and 5.9/100,000 to 5.3/100000 female. The mortality rates for traffic accidents in both sexes are highest among those aged 15-34 years and they increase again in those over 70 years. Among males the highest rates were observed in Northern Italy (Piemonte 24.3/100,000, Valle D'Aosta 27.4/100,000, Veneto 27.0/100,000, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia 26.5/100,000, Emilia Romagna 29.6/100,000) and in the central part of Italy (Marche 23.2/100,000, Molise 21.1/100,000 and Sardegna 22.4/100,000); among females the higher rates were always observed in Northern Italy (Piemonte 8.1/100,000, Veneto 8.2/100,000, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia 6.8/100,000 and Emilia Romagna 9.0/100,000) followed by the central part of Italy (Toscana 6.1/100,000, Umbria 6.3/100,000 and Marche 6.7/100,000). The southern part of Italy showed the lowest mortality rates in both sexes. Conclusions: The general mortality rate by gender was influenced by the geographical area, probably due to a different exposure to risk factors (i.e. alcohol and drugs diffusion). Alcohol-related problems prevention strategies and primary prevention of the use of drugs should be implemented and alcoholic drinks should be forbidden to teenagers and drivers.