In this section we'll be talking about injuries and how they're relevant to travelers, and what considerations you should have as you're travelling to avoid different types of injuries. According to the World Health Organization, injuries are among the leading cause of death and disability in the world. Globally, an estimated 3,300 people are killed each day in road traffic crashes, and more than 90% of road traffic casualties occur in developing countries, where it's likely that many of you will be traveling. And these global statistics remain very true for travelers. This isn't just people who are living in the countries right now across the world. This is also true for people who are traveling from one country to another. It's estimated that roughly 18 to 24% of deaths while traveling are due to injuries, and this is compared to an estimated 2% due to infectious disease. So you may think it's funny that we've spent all of this time talking about vector-borne disease and infectious disease if this is the statistic, but it's really because there are just so many considerations to take into account when we're talking about these. But with injuries, it's a little more simple. So why do you think road-traffic injuries are common among travelers? And I've listed some answers here. Lack of familiarity with roads, unprotected curves and cliffs, visibility issues, differences in road surfaces, and vehicle maintenance. And this isn't select all that apply question, so what do you think? Well, I've answered that I think it's all of them. It's challenging to drive around in different countries when you're not familiar with the roads. I think this is even true for people traveling from Europe to the US, traveling from US to India, India to Africa. I think it's true wherever we go, right? Road systems are not the same in all places. And different countries have different rules and regulations regarding what is an okay surface. What is a okay protection for certain curves and cliffs. And then visibility changes drastically based on seasons. Rainy seasons, monsoon seasons, whether you've got fog at different types of altitude. And then there are also different rules and regulations for vehicle maintenance. And I have a funny story from a colleague of mine who, when she traveled to a country, I believe she was traveling to Togo. She was really set on always having a seat belt, always using her seat belt. And she had to get somewhere one day, I believe it was to an interview, and she looked for taxi after taxi after taxi to find someone with a functioning seat belt, right, nobody seemed to have this. And she finally gets into a car that she sees a seat belt with, and she's sitting in the passenger side and puts the seat belt on, and then all of a sudden, the back of the seat just sort of falls out behind her. Right, so the seat belt wasn't really going to do her any good when there's no back of the seat. So clearly we've just got different regulations on what is acceptable on the road when you've got maintenance and what's required. So I think that this is all pretty common sense, but it's easy to forget a number of these prevention strategies while we're travelling. Because you become used to something, right? It becomes your new normal. Or perhaps it's already been your normal. But I want to stress that if you can and if it makes sense in the context to use safety belts when you can, avoid driving at night, avoid alcohol when you're driving, as well as avoid getting in the car with someone who's been drinking, who's driving. Ride only in marked taxis. Avoid overcrowded public transportation. And avoid driving and riding on motorbikes. And if you're planning on driving or riding a motorbike, which I know many of you are, regardless of this bullet point that's here. Please wear a helmet. And either bring one with you from wherever you live, or purchase one once you get there. I think that's really the biggest thing that I can say. I've known too many people who have either had injuries, or know people who have had really severe injuries and even death because they weren't wearing a helmet while they are on a motorbike. Yes, I absolutely recognize that these are common sense and that your behaviors will change based on what is and isn't logical in the situation. And that's totally fine, but just remember that these are the recommendations. And that this is likely what you would do in the US, and it's likely what you would do at home, wherever home is. And so travelling doesn't necessarily change what you should be doing, it only changes and likely increases your risk profile. Thanks for listening to this section on injuries, and hopefully these considerations will help you safe while you're traveling. [MUSIC]
