TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRACES AND THEIR PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Traffic accidents are occurring more and more frequently due to the recklessness of many drivers and pedestrians. The behaviors adopted include disrespect for traffic signs, as well as driving vehicles at high speed and the abusive use of alcohol and drugs. In addition to these factors, drivers are inadequately trained in relation to defensive driving and the attitudes that must be taken to avoid traffic accidents. The research is justified on the assumption that it is necessary to search for data that focus on the profile of traffic accidents and public health issues. This is a qualitative, exploratory study, based on a literature review. Data collection was carried out in the Scielo, Biblioteca Must, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (VHL) and Lilacs databases available in full and freely accessible, between the period 2007 and 2022. The research took place during the months of April to November 2022. With population growth through a significant and accelerated urbanization process, patterns have changed over the years, including changes in the disordered land occupation pattern, observed in recent decades in developed countries. Thus, the negative effects on the quality of the environment in large cities and metropolitan regions are notorious; these changes directly influence the quality of life of individuals. Given the above, through bibliographical research it was possible to observe how much the loss of functionality caused by a traffic accident impacts the patient's life, both professionally, personally, socially and at public health costs.