Review Article

Comparing rural traffic safety in Canada and Australia: a scoping review of the literature

AUTHORS

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Hannah M Mason
1 MPH, MBA, Researcher * ORCID logo

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Jason Randall
2 PhD, Researcher ORCID logo

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Peter A Leggat
3 PhD, Professor ORCID logo

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Don Voaklander
4 PhD, Professor and Director

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Richard C Franklin
5 PhD, Professor ORCID logo

AFFILIATIONS

1, 5 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia

2 Injury Prevention Centre, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta, Canada

3 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia; and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

4 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia; and Injury Prevention Centre, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta, Canada

ACCEPTED: 9 August 2022

Hannah Mason: Comparing rural traffic safety in Canada and Australia: a scoping review


early abstract:

Introduction: The reduction of road fatalities is a priority established by the World Health Organization and ratified by the United Nations. Rates of road fatalities are disproportionately high in rural areas in both Australia and Canada, two Commonwealth countries with comparable health care systems and rural health challenges. The purpose of this review was to compare and contrast the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies of rural road fatalities in both countries to inform the next steps for prevention.
Methods: A scoping literature review was undertaken systematically to search for peer reviewed literature published from January 2000- June 2021. Articles were reviewed from five databases (EMCARE, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and Informit). Search terms were adapted to suit each database and included combinations of keywords such as ‘traffic accident’, ‘fatality’, ‘rural/remote’, Australia and Canada. Themes and data associated with the research outcomes were extracted and tabulated.
Results:  Forty-three papers were identified as relevant: 14 exploring epidemiology, 25 investigating risk factors, and 37 proposing prevention strategies. People living in rural locations were 3.2 (95% CI: 3.0-3.5) times more likely than urban dwellers to die in road related incidents, with rates of motor vehicle fatalities universally higher. Common risk factors included drugs and alcohol, speed, driver error and biological sex.  Key prevention strategies included improved infrastructure, vehicle design, impaired driving prevention, and education.
Conclusion: Further research regarding preventative measures and significant investment in rural road safety in both Australia and Canada are needed to prevent future incidents.