Trop Geogr Med. 1995 ; 47(1): 37-9.

Motor traffic accidents in Dar es Salaam.

Kayombo EJ.

Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The study aimed to examine the general contribution of motor traffic accidents (MTAs) to the total number of deaths in Dar es Salaam city from 1985 to 1991, and the number of people impaired by MTAs in 1991. Data of deaths from all causes, deaths caused by MTAs and of people impaired by MTAs was collected. In seven years the contribution of MTAs to the total number of deaths was more or less constant (24 to 21 people per 1,000 deaths), with the exception of 1985 (48 per 1,000 deaths). In 1991, a total of 1,829 MTAs were recorded in Muhimbili Medical Centre and these claimed 113 human lives on the spot and impaired 2,834 who had to attend medical services for injuries. The victims were in their prime years (11-40 years). The problem of MTAs in Dar es Salaam reflects those of other urban centres in Africa.