Associated factors of road fatalities for vulnerable road users: a policy intervention guide

Abstract: Globally, vulnerable road users face disproportionate risks throughout road environments, which account for 50% of road fatalities worldwide. This alarming proportion reflects the inadequacies in road infrastructure and safety systems designed primarily for motorized vehicles, especially in low and middle income countries (LMICs). The National Safety Council (NSC) defines vulnerable road users (VRUs) as individuals who are at greater risk of injury or death in the event of a traffic crash due to the lack of protection provided by a vehicle. This definition includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and in some countries have been extended to pillion and public transportation users. In Jamaica, vulnerable road users (VRUs) accounted for 60% of the road users killed during 2023. With road deaths at 18 per 100 000, road fatalities continue to threaten the most productive years of Jamaicans, with 65% of deaths being among ages 15-59 years and disproportionately affecting males at a ratio of 1 female: 7 males. In the 2014 Cost of Care Report, road traffic crashes (RTCs) direct cost to the Jamaican health sector was 8% of the total budget with the average cost per case at approximately USD $720.00. This study statistically assesses the strength of various associated factors of road fatalities for vulnerable road users. The results can be used as a guide to influence targeted policy interventions in Jamaica, using 2015 to 2022 data from the Road Safety Unit database. Identifying related risk factors and investing in safer road infrastructure for VRUs will not only reduce traffic-related injuries, but it is expected to foster healthier, more sustainable urban environments, ultimately contributing to broader public health goals of the society. Road infrastructure improvements that prioritize VRUs, such as pedestrian-friendly streets, protected cycling lanes, and accessible public transport, are vital to sustainable economies within the Caribbean as it promotes a safer and an overall healthier lifestyle.