National Trends and Patterns in Traffic Road Accidents in Pakistan: A Statistical Analysis

Abstract

This study is of critical importance as it offers an in-depth examination of road traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Pakistan over a decade (2012-2021). By analyzing annual reports from Provincial Police Departments and the A.I.G (operations) of the Islamabad Police, the study reveals significant insights into national statistical trends and normalized indicators. It highlights that while reported data on road traffic fatalities may be relatively accurate, the data on injuries significantly underrepresents the true scale of the issue. A key finding of the study is the disparity in research output on road traffic injuries between Pakistan and other countries, such as India, which contributes only a small fraction to global research. Pakistan's research output in this area is alarmingly low, with fewer than one article per 1,000 road traffic-related deaths. This lack of research impedes the development of effective, evidence-based policies aimed at preventing road traffic injuries and fatalities. The study underscores the importance of grounding road safety policies in robust, local evidence. It highlights the urgent need for improved data collection and research efforts to accurately assess the scope of road traffic issues in Pakistan. Furthermore, it calls for a proactive role from health professionals and their representative organizations to lead and commit to this research endeavor. By addressing these gaps, the study aims to foster the development of targeted, evidence-based strategies that can significantly enhance road safety and reduce the burden of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Pakistan.