Purpose: Research has shown that Appalachia has a higher traffic fatality rate than the non-Appalachian United States. This study compared traffic fatality rates in West Virginia to the rest of the United States. Methods: Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Census data from 2008-2012 were used to calculate traffic fatality rates. Poisson regression was used to model rate ratios stratified by age, sex, rurality, and transportation type, as well as rate ratios per licensed driver, vehicles registered and miles travelled. Results: The West Virginia traffic fatality rate was 71% higher that the United States. Fatality rates per-capita were elevated for vehicle passengers and drivers of passenger vehicles, and large trucks. In contrast, rates for pedestrians and bicyclists were lower that the rest of the country. Conclusion: Public health intervention and further research are likely needed to discern reasons as to why this disparity exists in West Virginia.
Purpose: Research has shown that Appalachia has a higher traffic fatality rate than the non-Appalachian United States. This study compared traffic fatality rates in West Virginia to the rest of the United States. Methods: Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Census data from 2008-2012 were used to calculate traffic fatality rates. Poisson regression was used to model rate ratios stratified by age, sex, rurality, and transportation type, as well as rate ratios per licensed driver, vehicles registered and miles travelled. Results: The West Virginia traffic fatality rate was 71% higher that the United States. Fatality rates per-capita were elevated for vehicle passengers and drivers of passenger vehicles, and large trucks. In contrast, rates for pedestrians and bicyclists were lower that the rest of the country. Conclusion: Public health intervention and further research are likely needed to discern reasons as to why this disparity exists in West Virginia.