Road traffic-related injury among the 0-17 age group in Turkey.

Background: This study aimed to examine the extent of death and injuries among the 0-17 years of age group recorded in the official road traffic injury statistics.

Methods: This is a record-based study covering a 5-year-period (2003-2007) using the annual records of national road traffic injury statistics in Turkey.

Results: The 0-17 age group accounted for 10.9% of deaths and 20.1% of injuries over the 5-year-period that served as the scope of the study. It was found out that 53.5% of deaths and 70.7% of injuries occurred in residential areas. The occurrence of death among pedestrians in residential areas is notable. Injuries showed a similar tendency.

Conclusion: According to the 5-year period statistics examined in this study, road traffic-related deaths and injuries are a public health problem, and necessitate the development of programs and policies aimed at their prevention.