Abstract

The WHO indicates that annually over one million people die and between 20 and 50 million people are injured in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) worldwide (Peden et al, 2004).

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death accounting for 12.3% of all deaths in 2007 (Ministry of Health (MOH), 2007).

A retrospective analysis was conducted based on secondary data obtained from the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI), Abu Dhabi Police and MOH official reports during the period 1977–2007.

During the period 1977–2005, more than 400 000 motor vehicle crashes occurred in the UAE, resulting in 15 236 deaths and 233 111 injured persons (MOI, 1977–2005).

Drivers accounted for 49% and 25%, passengers for 44% and 44% while pedestrians accounted for 23% and 12% of MVC fatalities and injuries, respectively. More than 41% of deaths occurred among the age group 18–45 years.

Although there was a threefold increase in the number of MVC deaths and injuries during the period 1978–2007, the death rate/100 000 population declined by 40% from 37 in 1978 to 22 in 2007 and death rate per 100 000 registered vehicle declined by 86% from 382 to 55 during the same period.

The road traffic safety situation in the UAE is unacceptable when compared to high income countries (Bener and Alwash, 2002). Thus, serious steps with a bundle of comprehensive, multifaceted interventions that have been shown to be effective elsewhere should be adapted and implemented.