Fatality risk and issues of inequity among vulnerable road users in South Africa.

Background: Contextual effects from the physical and social environment contribute to inequitable protection for a large proportion of road users, especially in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa where distorted urban planning and socio-spatial disparities from the apartheid era prevail.

Objectives: This paper examines the differentiated risk of road traffic crashes and injuries to vulnerable road users in South Africa, including pedestrians, females and users of some modes of public transport, in relation to characteristics of the crashes that proxy a range of contextual influences such as rurality and socio-economic deprivation.

Methods: The study is based on a descriptive analysis of 33 659 fatal crashes that occurred in South Africa over a three-year period from 2016-2018.

Driver intoxication and risk for fatal crashes in South Africa: A 3-year review.

Background:  Globally, alcohol intoxication has been shown to be significantly associated with increased risk for road traffic crash morbidity and mortality for all road users (drivers, passengers and pedestrians). This association relates to the diminished capacity of drivers while intoxicated to operate motor vehicles and the increased propensity for risk-taking behaviours. The overall prevalence of alcohol-related fatal crashes contributes significantly to the burden of disease in many countries.

Temporal variations in road traffic fatalities in South Africa.

The annual road traffic fatality (RTF) burden of 43 deaths per 100000 inhabitants in South Africa (SA) is disproportionately high in comparison to the world average of 22 per 100000 population. Recent research revealed strong geographical variations across district councils in the country, as well as a substantial peak in mortality occurring during December. In this study, the factors that explain temporal variations in RTFs in SA are examined.

Cannabis and other drug use among trauma patients in three South African cities, 1999-2001.

Objective: To assess the extent of cannabis and other drug use among patients presenting with recent injuries at trauma units in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban from 1999 to 2001.

Design: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted during a 4-week period at each of the above sites in 1999, 2000 and 2001. The concept of an idealised week was used to render representative samples.

Alcohol use and trauma in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa: 1999--2001.

Objective: To assess acute alcohol intoxication among patients presenting with recent injuries at trauma units in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban from 1999 to 2001.

Design: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted during a four-week period in each of the above sites in 1999, 2000 and 2001. The concept of an 'idealised week' was used to render representative samples.