Down but not out: incidence and estimated costs to society of road casualties in Strathclyde, Scotland

Campbell, M. , Stone, D.H., Kleinberg, K.F. and McLean, R. (2014) Down but not out: incidence and estimated costs to society of road casualties in Strathclyde, Scotland. Public Health, 128(4), pp. 350-353. (doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.12.014)

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Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the recent epidemiological patterns and costs of road traffic casualties (RTCs) in Strathclyde, Scotland.<p></p> Study design: Retrospective record-linkage epidemiological study using routine data sources.<p></p> Methods A linked police-hospital database was analysed to describe the epidemiology of RTCs from 2004 to 2009. Using UK government methodology, the costs of road casualties to the National Health Service (NHS) and society were assessed.<p></p> Results: RTC rates declined over the study period. Males were at higher risk than females as were those residing in more socially deprived addresses. The estimated costs of RTCs in Strathclyde amounted to £400 million annually. Of this, around one twentieth (£20 million per year), was attributable to direct NHS costs.<p></p> Conclusions: Road casualties remain a major public health threat in Strathclyde, and contribute to health inequalities. RTC costs to society amount to almost a tenth of NHS revenue expenditure. Cost-effective road safety measures should be deployed more widely.<p></p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kleinberg, Dr Krista and Campbell, Ms Mhairi and Stone, Professor David
Authors: Campbell, M., Stone, D.H., Kleinberg, K.F., and McLean, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Public Health
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0033-3506
ISSN (Online):1476-5616
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
476961The public health challenge of road safety - a study of the epidemiological patterns, healthcare consequences and prevention of traffic related injuries in StrathclydeDavid StoneScottish Executive Health Department (SEHHD-CSO)CZH/4/490MVLS SM - CHILD HEALTH