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Maghelal P, Ali AH, Azar E, Jayaraman R, Khalaf K. Severity of vehicle-to-vehicle accidents in the UAE: An exploratory analysis using machine learning algorithms. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20694. [PMID: 37829796 PMCID: PMC10565775 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies road traffic injuries as a global health problem. The Eastern-Mediterranean region is particularly suffering from low traffic safety levels, recording the third highest death per capita ratio in the world. It is critical to evaluate and understand the causes of crashes and their severity levels as a first step to devising policies that aim to reduce these causes. Previous studies examining the frequency or severity of crashes present important limitations that motivate the need for the current work. While these studies have investigated the relation of contributing factors to severity of crashes, not until recently the importance of these factors are bring investigated. Even then, less research have explored various Machine Learning models and none in the middle-eastern region. This is critical because the WHO report concludes that the chances of dying in a traffic crash in this region are second only to Africa per 100000 population. This is a first study analyzing the severity of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes among drivers in the United Arab Emirates. Traffic Crash Data was obtained from the Abu Dhabi Police, which consisted of 11,400 observations during the period 2014-2017. Machine learning algorithms, including gradient boosting (GB), support vector machines (SVM), and random forest (RF), were trained and tested to predict crash severity and extract (using feature analysis) its determinants. The models were evaluated using two performance metrics: prediction accuracy and F1-scores. The RF model outperformed both GB and SVM, with the confusion matrix of RF reporting a better prediction for all four crash severity classes. The feature importance analysis indicates that the age of car, age of the injured, and the age of the initiator have the highest effect on severity, which is an important finding as the listed factors were rarely considered in previous studies. Vehicle and road characteristics such as vehicle class, crash type, and lighting are slightly associated with the severity. Consistent with other studies, gender was the least essential predictor of severity. Recommendations are finally provided to the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (AD-DMT) authority to guide the development of road safety policies and countermeasures to mitigate the occurrence and severity of crashes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Maghelal
- Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulrahim Haroun Ali
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elie Azar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Raja Jayaraman
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kinda Khalaf
- Biomedical Engineering and Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Bakhtari Aghdam F, Shaheian K, Sadeghi-Bazargani H, Kousha A, Ponnet K, Abbasalizad Farhangi M, Jahangiry L. Drivers' unsafe behaviors in Iran: An investigation in West Azerbaijan. Front Public Health 2022; 10:815380. [PMID: 36530723 PMCID: PMC9755251 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.815380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aims to investigate one of the major causes of traffic accidents: drivers' unsafe behaviors while driving. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the behaviors of 946 drivers at traffic lights were observed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening using direct in-field observation. The unsafe behaviors of the drivers included not fastening the seat belt, using a cellphone or handsfree device, smoking, being distracted by a child, talking with passengers, not observing the stop line, eating and drinking, and getting out of the car, letting out a passenger, or arguing with a passenger at the traffic light. Results Of the drivers at the traffic light, 60% did not obey the stop line, and 72% did not fasten their seat belt. Also, 13.6% used their cellphones, and 22% talked with passengers. The frequency of the other unsafe behaviors was <3%. For wearing seat belts, drivers aged 41-50 years wore seat belts almost five times more than drivers under 25 years of age (4.94 [2.36-10.320]; p < 0.001), and drivers aged 50 years and older were almost three times likelier to wear seat belts than drivers under 25 years of age (2.8 [1.31-6.08]; p < 0.001). The results showed that the drivers were significantly likelier to wear seat belts on Saturdays (after the weekend) (0.56 [0.40-0.78]; p = 0.001). Regarding using mobile phones while driving, women were twice as likely to use mobile phones as men (2.20 [1.30-3.72]; p < 0.001). Drivers aged 26-40 years used mobile phones significantly less than drivers under 25 years of age (0.24 [0.14-0.43]; p < 0.001) and drivers aged 41-50 years were significantly less likely to use mobile phones than drivers under 25 years of age (0.19 [1.31-6.08]; p < 0.001). Conclusion The results showed that the occurrence of wearing a seat belt in Shahin Dej was low. We observed a significant association between wearing a seat belt, age, whether it was Saturday (a day after weekend for Iranians). Additionally, similar associations were observed between using mobile phones and gender, age, and day of the week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Bakhtari Aghdam
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Karim Shaheian
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Kousha
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Koen Ponnet
- Faculty of Social Sciences, imec-mict-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Leila Jahangiry
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,*Correspondence: Leila Jahangiry
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Albishi A, Alshaikh R, Alsulami A, Bardisi W, Alqurashi D. Practice in child restraint system use among attendees of Well-baby clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:512-519. [PMID: 35360811 PMCID: PMC8963608 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1273_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The systematic use of child restraint system (CRS) while driving has been promoted by the WHO to improve road safety. Objectives: To assess the levels of practice in CRS use for children aged ≤5 years among mothers attending the Well-baby clinics and to explore the associated factors and attitudes. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers visiting the Well-baby clinics at five primary health care centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a multistage stratified-cluster sampling. Practice in CRS was assessed by interviewing the participants regarding the availability of a CRS in their car, usage frequency for a child <5 years, and alternative child-sitting methods. Sociodemographic data, further road safety parameters, and attitudes were analyzed as independent factors of adequate practice using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 192 included mothers, eight (4.2%) had a history of accident while driving with a child. Majority of the participants (62.5%) declared not having their cars equipped with a CRS and used inappropriate car-sitting methods. Of the 37.5% who had CRS in their cars, 27.1% declared using it always or frequently. Adequate practice in CRS was independently associated with mother’s age (OR = 0.91, P = 0.09), low (OR = 0.10, P = 0.001) and moderate family income (OR = 0.23, P = 0.012), and the belief that CRS is not essential while driving with children (0.32, P = 0.023). Conclusions: There is inadequate practice in child road safety among families attending the Well-baby clinics in Western Saudi Arabia, which is associated with several misconceptions and negative attitudes towards the utility of CRS.
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Hendrie D, Lyle G, Cameron M. Lives Saved in Low- and Middle-Income Countries by Road Safety Initiatives Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Implemented by Their Partners between 2007-2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111185. [PMID: 34769702 PMCID: PMC8583449 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 12 years, Bloomberg Philanthropies (BP) and its partner organisations have implemented a global road safety program in low- and middle-income countries. The program was implemented to address the historically increasing number of road fatalities and the inadequate funding to reduce them. This study evaluates the performance of the program by estimating lives saved from road safety interventions implemented during the program period (2007–2018) through to 2030. We estimated that 311,758 lives will have been saved by 2030, with 97,148 lives saved up until 2018 when the evaluation was conducted and a further 214,608 lives projected to be saved if these changes are sustained until 2030. Legislative changes alone accounted for 75% of lives saved. Concurrent activities related to reducing drink driving, implementing legislative changes, and social marketing campaigns run in conjunction with police enforcement and other road safety activities accounted for 57% of the total estimated lives saved. Saving 311,758 lives with funding of USD $259 million indicates a cost-effectiveness ratio of USD $831 per life saved. The potential health gains achieved through the number of lives saved from the road safety initiatives funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies represent a considerable return on investment. This study demonstrates the extent to which successful, cost-effective road safety initiatives can reduce road fatalities in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Hendrie
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth 6102, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9266-9068
| | - Greg Lyle
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth 6102, Australia;
| | - Max Cameron
- Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Clayton, Melbourne 3800, Australia;
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Woldegebriel MK, Aregawi BG, Gebru HT. Assessment of seat belt use and its associated factors among public transport drivers in North Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:98. [PMID: 30795791 PMCID: PMC6387553 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Road traffic injuries are the major and neglected public health challenges. It causes 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries yearly and the use of seat belt reduces 60% of the cases. However, little is known about the magnitude of utilizing seat belt and associated factors in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the seat belt practice and associated factors among minibus and taxi drivers. RESULTS The magnitude of seat belt users is 69.6%. The majority (98.1%) of drivers used seat belt to minimize injuries, 95.8% to prevent casualties, 92.5% to safeguard vehicle occupants, 29.9% to generate revenue for government and 22.8% to beautify the vehicle. Almost 80% of participants reported that wearing seat belt could save lives; and 29.6% of them wear belts because of stiffer penalties. For not using seat belts, more than 18% drivers reasoned out that it is not guarantee for safety and it wastes time to wear. In the multiple logistic regression being taxi driver (AOR = 1.998, 95% CI 1.250, 3.192), being married (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.118, 7.601) and attended vocational school and above (AOR = 2.140, 95% CI 1.014, 4.519) were associated with seat belt use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manay K Woldegebriel
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Berihu G Aregawi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Hafte T Gebru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Referral Hospital, Aksum University, P.O.Box: 298, Aksum, Ethiopia.
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Tan RMR, Dong C, Shen GQ, Feng JXY, Piragasam R, Tyebally A, Chong SL. Parental knowledge and beliefs on the use of child car restraints in Singapore: a qualitative study. Singapore Med J 2019; 61:102-107. [PMID: 30773603 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Road traffic injuries and fatalities represent a significant public health problem. In Singapore, compliance with appropriate child car restraints (CCRs) is poor. We aimed to understand parental knowledge, beliefs and barriers regarding the use of CCRs. METHODS In this qualitative study, we conducted five focus group discussions with parents who drive with their children in private cars. Participants were recruited using the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's social media page. Guiding questions were derived by consensus following literature review and adaptation to the Singapore context, exploring parental perceptions of CCR use. Focus group interviews were then transcribed and analysed. RESULTS 33 participants were recruited, with an age range of 28‒46 (mean age 35.5) years. They had a total of 46 children with ages ranging from 2.5 months to 14 years (mean age 4.2 years). Three key themes were identified: parental knowledge regarding CCRs, barriers to CCR use, and suggestions to increase CCR compliance. Barriers to compliance included lack of knowledge, difficult child behaviour and cultural norms. A multipronged approach was proposed to increase CCR use, including educating the public, reinforcing positive behaviour, legal enforcement as a deterrent to non-compliance, increasing CCR installation services, providing CCRs for taxi users and offering financial incentives. CONCLUSION Non-compliance to CCR use is multidimensional, including multiple potentially modifiable factors. This study could inform ongoing collaborative injury prevention efforts among healthcare professionals, industry partners and the traffic police, using public education and outreach to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ming Ren Tan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chaoyan Dong
- Department of Education, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Germac Qiaoyue Shen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jasmine Xun Yi Feng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rupini Piragasam
- KK Research Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Arif Tyebally
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Shu-Ling Chong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Ojo TK. Seat belt and child restraint use in a developing country metropolitan city. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 113:325-329. [PMID: 29477798 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seat belt and child restraint use is noted to be poor in developing countries such as Ghana. An unobstructive observational survey guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour was therefore conducted to assess seat belt and child restraint use in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The observational survey was carried out at the entrances of four nursery schools in medium and high class residential areas in the Metropolis to determine seat belt use by drivers and accompanied child being transported/dropped off in school. The results revealed that a total of 1922 vehicles comprising 826(43.0%) cars, 350(18.2%) SUV, 644(33.5%) taxis and 102(5.3%) mini buses with 3844 vehicle occupants comprising 1922 drivers and child apiece were successively observed. The majority of the drivers (53.1%) did not use the seat belt with 13.2% of the children been restrained. The gender of the driver has a relationship with the seat belt use. The vehicle type has a relationship with the child restraint use and the gender of the driver has a significant relationship with child restraint use. The enforcement of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and Road Traffic Regulation 2180 by the officials of Motor Transport and Traffic Department(MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) can establish social norms that may have a greater potential to enhance seat belt and child restraint use in the Metropolis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kolawole Ojo
- Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana(1).
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Gupta S, Paichadze N, Gritsenko E, Klyavin V, Yurasova E, Hyder AA. Evaluation of the five-year Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Program in the Russian Federation. Public Health 2017; 144S:S5-S14. [PMID: 28288732 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. In Russia, a road safety program was implemented in Lipetskaya and Ivanovskaya oblasts (regions) as part of a 10-country effort funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The program was focused on increasing seat belt and child restraint use and reducing speeding. The primary goals of this monitoring and evaluation study are to assess trends in seat belt use, child restraint use, and speed compliance in the two oblasts over the 5 years and to explore the overall impact of the program on road traffic injury and death rates. Primary data via roadside observations and interviews, and secondary data from official government sources were collected and analyzed for this study. Our results indicate significant improvements in seat belt wearing and child seat use rates and in prevalence of speeding in both intervention oblasts. The observations were consistent with the results from the roadside interviews. In Lipetskaya, restraint use by all occupants increased from 52.4% (baseline, October 2010) to 77.4% (final round, October 2014) and child restraint use increased from 20.9% to 54.1% during the same period. In Ivanovskaya, restraint use by all occupants increased from 48% (baseline, April 2012) to 88.7% (final round, October 2014) and child restraint use increased from 20.6% to 89.4% during the same period. In Lipetskaya, the overall prevalence of speeding (vehicles driving above speed limit) declined from 47.0% (baseline, July 2011) to 30.4% (final round, October 2014) and a similar pattern was observed in Ivanovskaya where the prevalence of speeding decreased from 54.6% (baseline, March 2012) to 46.6% (final round, October 2014). Through 2010-2014, the road traffic crash and injury rates per 100,000 population decreased in Lipetskaya oblast (191.5 and 246.9 in 2010 and 170.4 and 208.6 in 2014, respectively) and slightly increased in Ivanovskaya oblast (184.4 and 236.0 in 2010 and 186.7 and 243.4 in 2014, respectively). These road safety improvements are associated with the program that enabled a combined focus on policy reform, legislation, enforcement, advocacy, education, and data collection and use. However, the existence of other road safety efforts, lack of data from comparable regions, and unavailability of risk factor-specific data make it difficult to attribute these changes to the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gupta
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, USA.
| | - N Paichadze
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Suite E-8636, Baltimore, USA.
| | - E Gritsenko
- Department of Highway Transportation, Ivanovo State Polytechnic University, 20 8 March Street, Ivanovo 153037, Russian Federation.
| | - V Klyavin
- Department of Transportation Management, Lipetsk State Technical University, 30 Moskovskaya Street, Lipetsk 398600, Russian Federation.
| | - E Yurasova
- WHO Office in the Russian Federation, 9 Leontyevsky pereulok, Moscow 125009, Russian Federation.
| | - A A Hyder
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Suite E-8132, Baltimore, USA.
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Moradi M, Khanjani N, Nabipour AR. An observational study of child safety seat use in an international safe community: Tehran, Iran. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:88-94. [PMID: 27258595 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2016.1177638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite strong evidence of the effectiveness of child safety seats in reducing injuries, the use of these devices in some communities is still rare. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of child safety seat use and the factors influencing its use in the safe community of Tehran. METHODS This roadside observational study was conducted in 2015 and 2,178 personal cars with a child under 12 years aboard were observed on Tehran's streets in regard to use of child safety seats. Other variables such as the gender of the driver, driver's age group, type of street, region of municipality, time of day, and day of the week were also collected. RESULTS Prevalence of child safety seat use was 4.3% and was significantly higher among women drivers, on freeways, and in municipal regions 1, 4, and 7. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of child safety seat use in Tehran as a most populous member of the international safe community was very low and most children commuted in insecure situations in the vehicle. Therefore, it is proposed that plans should be made to increase the use of child safety seats in international safe communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Moradi
- a Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology , Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
| | - Narges Khanjani
- b Environmental Engineering Research Center, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
- c Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Amir Reza Nabipour
- d Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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Mohammadi M, Ansari Moghaddam A, Rad M, Hashemi Habybabady R, Tabasi MA. Seatbelt Use and Related Factors Among Drivers Involved in Road Crashes in Southeast Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2015. [DOI: 10.17795/jhealthscope-30782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mahfoud ZR, Cheema S, Alrouh H, Al-Thani MH, Al-Thani AAM, Mamtani R. Seat belt and mobile phone use among vehicle drivers in the city of Doha, Qatar: an observational study. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:937. [PMID: 26392362 PMCID: PMC4578805 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Qatar traffic injuries and fatalities are of serious concern. Mobile phone use whilst driving has been associated with increased risk of vehicular collisions and injuries. Seat belt use has been demonstrated to save lives and reduce the severity of road traffic injuries. Whereas previously published studies may have looked at all front passengers, this study aims to obtain reliable estimates of the prevalence of seat belt and mobile phone use among vehicle drivers in the city of Doha, Qatar. Additionally, we aim to investigate the association of these behaviors with other variables namely gender, time of the day and type of vehicle. METHODS An observational study on 2,011 vehicles was conducted in 2013. Data were collected at ten sites within Doha city over a two-week period. Two trained observers surveyed each car and recorded observations on a data collection form adapted from a form used in a 2012 Oklahoma observational study. Associations were assessed using the Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. A p-value of .05 or less was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Overall, 1,463 (72.7 %) drivers were found using a seat belt (95 % CI: 70.8-74.7 %) and 150 (7.5 %) their mobile phones (95 % CI: 6.3-8.6 %) during the observation period. Mobile phone use was significantly associated with not using a seat belt and driving a sport utility vehicle. Significantly lower rates of seat belt use were observed in the early morning and late afternoon. No gender differences were observed. DISCUSSION Seatbelt use in Doha was found to be similar to countries in the region but lower than those in western countries. Also, studies from other high-income locations, reported lower rates of mobile phone use while driving than in Doha. CONCLUSIONS Despite road traffic crashes being one of the leading causes of death in Qatar, three out of 10 drivers in Doha, Qatar, do not use a seat belt and about one in 12 use a mobile phone while driving. More efforts, in the form of awareness campaigns and increased law enforcement, are needed to improve compliance with laws requiring seat belt use and prohibiting mobile phone use while driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad R Mahfoud
- Division of Global and Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box: 24144, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 East 67th Street, Box 74, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Sohaila Cheema
- Division of Global and Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box: 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hekmat Alrouh
- Division of Global and Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box: 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | | | - Ravinder Mamtani
- Division of Global and Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box: 24144, Doha, Qatar.
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Torkamannejad Sabzevari J, Khanjani N, Molaei Tajkooh A, Nabipour AR, Sullman MJM. Seat belt use among car drivers in Iranian safe communities: An observational study. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2015; 17:134-141. [PMID: 26065342 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1052138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The number of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Iran is high. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate of drivers' seat belt use and a number of related factors in Kashmar, Bardaskan, and Khalilabad (Iranian Safe Communities). METHODS In 2014, driver observations were made at 48 road sites on intercity roads, main streets, side streets, and rural roads in these 3 cities. RESULTS A total of 10,255 vehicles were observed, with the overall rate of seat belt use being 51.8%. The rates in Kashmar, Bardaskan, and Khalilabad were 51.4, 56.3, and 47.7%, respectively. In Kashmar, the odds of seat belt use were higher among drivers who were female, older, and taxi drivers. Higher use was also found during the afternoon, and lower use was observed on rural roads. In Khalilabad the odds of seat belt use were higher among females, older drivers, taxis, and private car drivers. Seat belt use was also higher on weekends and during the morning but was significantly lower on rural roads. Similarly, in Bardaskan the odds of using a seat belt were higher among females, older drivers, taxis, and private car drivers. Seat belt use was also higher during the afternoon but was significantly lower on rural roads, in comparison to main streets and intercity roads. CONCLUSIONS The rate of seat belt use in these 3 cities was found to be low, despite these cities being designated as International Safe Communities. Therefore, seat belt promotion programs, tougher regulations, stronger enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and more research are needed to promote seat belt use in these Iranian cities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narges Khanjani
- b Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology , Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
- c Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | | | - Amir Reza Nabipour
- d Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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Mohammadzadeh M, Paravar M, Mirzadeh AS, Mohammadzadeh J, Mahdian S. Seat Belt Usage in Injured Car Occupants: Injury Patterns, Severity and Outcome After Two Main Car Accident Mechanisms in Kashan, Iran, 2012. ARCHIVES OF TRAUMA RESEARCH 2015; 4:e22203. [PMID: 26064867 PMCID: PMC4460257 DOI: 10.5812/atr.22203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the main public health problems in Iran. The seat belts, which are vehicle safety devices, are imperative to reduce the risk of severe injuries and mortality. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate injury patterns, severity and outcome among belted and unbelted car occupants who were injured in car accidents. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was performed on all car occupants injured in RTAs (n = 822) who were transported to hospital and hospitalized for more than 24 hours from March 2012 to March 2013. Demographic profile of the patients, including age, gender, position in the vehicle, the use of seat belts, type of car crashes, injured body regions, revised trauma score (RTS), Glasgow coma score (GCS), duration of hospital stay and mortality rate were analyzed by descriptive analysis, chi-square and independent t-test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 560 patients used seat belts (68.1%). The unbelted occupants were younger (28 years vs. 38 years) and had more frequently sustained head, abdomen and multiple injuries (P = 0.01, P = 0.01 and P = 0.009, respectively). Also, these patients had significantly lower GCS and elongated hospitalization and higher death rate (P = 0.001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.05, respectively). Tendency of severe head trauma and low RTS and death were increased in unbelted occupants in car rollover accident mechanisms (P = 0.001, P = 0.01 and P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: During car crashes, especially car rollover, unbelted occupants are more likely to sustain multiple severe injuries and death. Law enforcement of the seat belt usage for all occupants (front and rear seat) is obligatory to reduce severe injuries sustained as a result of car accidents, especially in vehicles with low safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Mohammadzadeh
- Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mahdi Mohammadzadeh, Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9132632168, E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Paravar
- Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran
| | | | - Javad Mohammadzadeh
- Trauma Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR Iran
| | - Soroush Mahdian
- Dentistry School, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, IR Iran
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Vecino-Ortiz AI, Bishai D, Chandran A, Bhalla K, Bachani AM, Gupta S, Slyunkina E, Hyder AA. Seatbelt wearing rates in middle income countries: a cross-country analysis. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2014; 71:115-119. [PMID: 24906165 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack validity, and routine observational studies are scarce. In this paper, we aim to describe the prevalence of seatbelt use and associated factors in drivers and front-seat passengers across eight sites in four countries (Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Turkey) using observational studies as well as to produce estimates of country-level and site-level variance. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Program, data on driver and passenger seatbelt use across four middle-income countries was collected between October 2010 and May 2011 (n=122,931 vehicles). Logistic regression and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analyses for sites- and country-level clustering were performed. We found high variability of seatbelt wearing rates ranging from 4 to 72% in drivers and 3-50% in front-seat passengers. Overall, average seatbelt wearing rates were low (under 60% in most sites). At the individual level, older and female drivers were more likely to wear seatbelts, as well as drivers of vehicles transiting at times of increased vehicle flow. We also found that 26-32% and 37-41% of the variance in seatbelt use among drivers and front-seat passengers respectively was explained by differences across sites and countries. Our results demonstrate that there is room for improvement on seatbelt use in middle-income countries and that standardized cross-country studies on road safety risk factors are feasible, providing valuable information for prevention and monitoring activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres I Vecino-Ortiz
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David Bishai
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aruna Chandran
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kavi Bhalla
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Abdulgafoor M Bachani
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shivam Gupta
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ekaterina Slyunkina
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Adnan A Hyder
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Karbakhsh M, Jarahi L. Car child safety seats use among Iranian children in Mashad. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2014; 23:130-4. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2014.912665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Hyder AA, Vecino-Ortiz AI. BRICS: opportunities to improve road safety. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:423-8. [PMID: 24940016 PMCID: PMC4047807 DOI: 10.2471/blt.13.132613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa--the countries known as BRICS--are currently undergoing a deep epidemiological transition that is mainly driven by rapid economic growth and technological change. The changes being observed in the distribution of the burden of diseases and injuries--such as recent increases in the incidence of road traffic injuries--are matters of concern. BRICS may need stronger institutional capacity to address such changes in a timely way. In this paper, we present data on road traffic injuries in BRICS and illustrate the enormous challenge that these countries currently face in reducing the incidence of such injuries. There is an urgent need to improve road safety indicators in every country constituting BRICS. It is imperative for BRICS to invest in system-wide road safety interventions and reduce the mortality and morbidity from road traffic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan A Hyder
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street (E-8132), Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Andres I Vecino-Ortiz
- International Injury Research Unit, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street (E-8132), Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
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Milder CM, Gupta S, Ozkan T, Hoe C, Lajunen T. Predictors of intrinsic motivation behind seatbelt use in a country where current use is low. Injury 2013; 44 Suppl 4:S57-63. [PMID: 24377781 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70214-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Seatbelt use is a major determinant of a driver's safety on the road. In Turkey and other middle-income countries, seatbelt use is lower than in high-income countries and contributes to the higher burden of road traffic injuries. Assessing factors behind drivers' motivations to wear seatbelts can help determine appropriate interventions for specific subpopulations. OBJECTIVE To analyze the factors predictive of whether drivers who wear seatbelts in Afyonkarahisar and Ankara, Turkey do so because they believe seatbelts can save their lives. METHODS As part of the monitoring and evaluation of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Programme, 817 drivers were randomly recruited in Afyonkarahisar and Ankara, Turkey, to participate in roadside interviews. Logistic regression was run on data from 408 drivers who claimed they always wore seatbelts. Predictors were driver's city, driver's age group (30 and younger, 31 to 40, and over 40 years), whether at least one passenger was in the car, and an interaction term between age group and whether passengers were in the car. The outcome variable of interest was whether drivers wore seatbelts because they believed seatbelts can save their lives, referred to in this paper as "selection of Reason 3." RESULTS The odds of selecting Reason 3 were 2.45 (95% CI: 1.40-4.31) times higher in Ankara than in Afyonkarahisar, 2.52 (95% CI: 1.38-4.60) and 3.65 (95% CI: 1.92-6.95) times higher for drivers aged 31-40 and drivers over the age of 40 than for drivers 30 years of age and younger, respectively, and 5.89 (95% CI: 2.02-17.23), 7.22 (95% CI: 1.61-32.42), and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.32-2.19) times higher for drivers traveling with passengers who were 30 years of age and younger, between 31 and 40, and over 40 than for drivers traveling without passengers in these age groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Drivers with passengers had higher odds of selecting Reason 3, especially younger drivers who are more likely to succumb to peer pressure. Older drivers had higher odds of selecting Reason 3. Peer groups and peer education campaigns may have an impact. Education interventions combined with extrinsic campaigns can be aimed at younger drivers to increase and maintain adherence in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Milder
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shivam Gupta
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Türker Ozkan
- Department of Psychology, Middle East Technical University, Turkey
| | - Connie Hoe
- Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timo Lajunen
- Department of Psychology, Middle East Technical University, Turkey
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Al Turki YA. How can Saudi Arabia use the Decade of Action for Road Safety to catalyse road traffic injury prevention policy and interventions? Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2013; 21:397-402. [PMID: 24047249 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.833943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults worldwide. Nearly three-quarters of road deaths occur in developing countries and men comprise a mean 80% of casualties. The rate of road traffic accidents caused by four-wheeled vehicles is the highest globally reported road traffic accidents statistic. In Saudi Arabia, the motor vehicle is the main means of transportation with one person killed and four injured every hour. Over 65% of accidents occur because of vehicles travelling at excess speed and/or drivers disobeying traffic signals. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to victims, their families, and to nations as a whole. Strategic prevention plans should be implemented soon by various sectors (health, police, transport, and education) to decrease the mortality and morbidity among adolescent and young age group. Strong and effective coordination between ministry of health and other ministries together with World Health Organization and other related organisations will be an important step towards implementing the international Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020). The aim of this review article is to highlight some aspects of the health impacts of road traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Abdullah Al Turki
- a Department of Family and Community Medicine , College of Medicine, King Saud University , PO Box 28054, Riyadh 11437 , Saudi Arabia
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Nabipour AR, Khanjani N, Soltani Z, Akbari M. The rate of seat belt use and its related factors among car drivers in Tehran, Iran after imposing new regulations. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2013; 21:348-54. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2013.833941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Siviroj P, Peltzer K, Pengpid S, Morarit S. Non-seatbelt use and associated factors among Thai drivers during Songkran festival. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:608. [PMID: 22863275 PMCID: PMC3490791 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Road traffic accidents are the second largest cause of burden of disease in Thailand, largely attributable to behavioural risk factors including drinking and driving, speeding, substance abuse and failure to use seatbelts. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of non-seatbelt use among drivers during Songkran festival in Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional survey has been performed to determine the prevalence of seatbelt use among Thai drivers (N=13722) during four days of the Songkran festival. For this sample the population of drivers was consecutively selected from 12 petrol stations in four provinces from each of the four main geographical regions of Thailand. The study was conducted at petrol stations at roads in town, outside town and highway at different time intervals when trained field staff administered a structured questionnaire and performed an observation checklist on seat belt use. Results An overall prevalence of 28.4% of non-seatbelt use among drivers was found. In multivariable analysis demographics (being male, younger age, coming from the Northern or Southern region in Thailand), environmental factors (earlier during the Songkran festival, in the morning and late evening and on main roads in town), seatbelt use experiences and attitudes (having been in an accident before, never having used a seatbelt, no intention to use a seatbelt, lack of awareness of danger of non-seatbelt use and lower perceived risk of being caught with non-seatbelt use) and lower exposure to road safety awareness (RSA) campaign (less frequent exposure to RSA campaign, less frequent following of RTI statistics and not talking with others about the RSA campaign) were associated with non-seatbelt use. Conclusion Rates of non-seatbelt use by Thai drivers during Songkran festival was 28.4%. Lower exposure to the RSA campaign was found to be associated with non-seatbelt use among drivers during the Songkran festival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penprapa Siviroj
- Department of Community Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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