Child pedestrian mortality and traffic volume in New Zealand.

Methods and results Child (aged <15 years) pedestrian death rates (ICD code E814-7) were calculated by using National Health Statistics Centre mortality data for 1967 to 1987. A traffic volume index, based on data from traffic counters on urban highways throughout New Zealand, and the number of registered vehicles were obtained from the Ministry of Transport. There was an annual average of 32 5 pedestrian deaths over the study period (3-7/100000 children yearly). From 1967 to 1975 there was a 571% increase in traffic volume and a 69-7% increase in the death rate. Between 1975 and 1981 traffic volume increased by only 5-2% and death rates fell by 46-4%. After 1982 traffic volume rose by 27-6% and death rates by 53-7% (see figure). The number or registered vehicles increased steadily by 91-3% between 1967 and 1987.