In Mexico, an average of 15,700 Mexicans lose their lives each year over the last 20 years as a result of injuries caused by traffic accidents. It continues to be the second leading cause of death in the population between the ages of 15 and 29.
Furthermore, in our country, seven out of 10 fatalities on our streets and roads corresponds to vulnerable users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. 36% of all deaths are pedestrians. So only in 2022 (which is the most recent year in which the information is published official), 5,641 people lost their lives as a result of accidents.
In fact, considering the road system, it is precisely pedestrians who are more at risk of losing their lives than motorcyclists, car occupants or public transport passengers.
An analysis of the data by state shows that Guanajuato tops the list with 509 deaths, representing approximately 9.7% of the national total. Chihuahua follows with 325 cases, equivalent to 6.2%, and Jalisco with 454, which constitutes about 8.6%. These three states together account for 24.5% of road traffic fatalities in the country.
In contrast, states such as Baja California Sur, Campeche and Quintana Roo register the lowest figures with 23, 12 and 30 deaths respectively, which combined do not even reach 1.3% of the total. This could suggest that there are substantial differences in traffic policies or road infrastructure among the different entities.
Mexico City, despite its high population density and vehicle traffic, recorded 202 deaths, or 3.8% of the total, a significant number but not proportionally high compared to its population. On the other hand, states such as Nuevo León and Michoacán show high numbers with 313 and 315 deaths, respectively, representing 6.0% and 6.0% of the national total, which could indicate the need to review road safety measures in these regions.
Road safety is not only a matter of road infrastructure; it is also a matter of awareness and education. Pedestrians are exposed to various risks on the streets, and the probability of fatal accidents varies significantly according to several factors, including the state, age and gender of the pedestrian.
The fatality rate from pedestrian fatalities in Mexico varies significantly with the age and gender of pedestrians. The data indicate that the risk of being killed by a pedestrian collision increases with age, especially after the age of 50. For men, the fatality rate scales from 0.1 in children under one year of age to reach its peak in the 80-84 age group with a rate of 12.4. For women, the highest risk is also found in the 80-84 age group with a mortality rate of 2.7, although it is notable that the highest rate for women occurs in the 85 and older age group with a value of 4.0.
In younger age groups, mortality rates are relatively low for both genders, but begin to increase in adolescence and early adulthood. For example, in the 15-19 age group, males have a mortality rate of 1.3 while females have a mortality rate of 0.3. This pattern of higher risk in males continues and amplifies with age, being more pronounced in the male population than in the female population.
In terms of gender, men have a higher mortality rate in each age group compared to women. The difference is especially marked in the older population. For example, in the 75 to 79 age group, men have a rate of 11.9, while women have a rate of 3.2, almost four times lower.
These data suggest that men over the age of 50 have the highest risk of losing their lives in a road traffic collision. Prevention and road safety policies should consider these patterns to target educational and infrastructure efforts to protect the most vulnerable groups, especially older men.
To improve road safety and protect pedestrians, it is imperative to adopt a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations include increasing the awareness of collision risks, infrastructure development safe road, the implementation of educational campaigns aimed at drivers and pedestrians, and strengthening traffic laws and their enforcement. It is crucial to adapt these measures to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, particularly older men and children.
In order for road safety to be a reality for everyone, the Aleatica Foundation for Road Safety contributes proactively by improving infrastructure, prioritizing vulnerable road users, promoting the incorporation of technology to ensure that vehicles and their occupants are better protected, and influencing the most frequent risky behaviors adopted by road users.
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