Traffic Injuries, Life Expectancy and Road Policies in Mexico and Spain.

Objective. To determine the impact of traffic injuries of motor vehicle (TIMV) mortality –compared to other causes of deaths- on life expectancy in Mexico and Spain during the three-year periods 2000-2002 and 2010-2012, considering the road policies and the vehicle and road infrastructure in both countries in recent years.

Methods. Based on official death and population data, abridged life tables in Mexico and Spain were constructed for the three-year periods studied. Temporary life expectancy and years of life expectancy lost (YLEL) for aged 15 to 75 were calculated by selected causes (TIMV, diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasms and ischaemic heart diseases) and age groups in each three-year period.

Results. In Spain, YLEL decreased in both sexes from all causes studied, especially TIMV; this reduction was greater in the younger ages. In addition, temporary life expectancy increased. In Mexico YLEL by TIMV increased in men –mainly in young people-and remained unchanged among women. The male temporary life expectancy declined but increased slightly among women.

Conclusions. Reducing YLEL by TIMV in Spain has contributed to increased life expectancy. By contrast, the increase of YLEL by TIMV among Mexican men has contributed to the decline in male life expectancy. The greatest degree of development of road and vehicle infrastructure in Spain and the implementation of more stringent road policies in Spain than in Mexico in the last decade appear to some extent explain the results found.