Geographical variation in traffic-related mortality and morbidity among pedestrians in Quebec, 1983-1988

In this study we analyze the dmographic and geographical distribution of pedestrian accidents (n=28,452) in the Quebec Municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) reported between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 1988. In order to be able to make comparisons between MRCs, we have created in Comparative Mortality Index and a Comparative Morbidity Index. We use a logistic regression model to single out explanatory factors. The main tendencies which are apparent in the demographic analysis are an overrepresentation of young persons and elderly persons in the accident statistics, and that men are more at risk than women. Men 15 years and under and men 65 years and over are more at risk of being involved in a fatal pedestrian accident. The geographic analysis show that among men, the average mortality rate is one and a half times greater in rural MRCs than in urban MRCs; among women, rural mortality is two and a half times greater than urban mortality. In the case of non-severe injuries we note an over-representation of urban MRCs. Young persons 15 years or less who live in an urban, populated zone are those most at risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Identifying high risk groups or areas is a prerequisite step for injury prevention and control.