Incomplete Accident Reporting: Meta-Analysis of Studies Made in 13 Countries

Abstract

A meta-analysis of studies of road accident reporting in official accident statistics made in 13 countries is described here. A rigorous comparison of reporting levels between countries is difficult because of differences in the definitions of reportable accidents, reporting levels, and data sources used to assess reporting levels. Based on 49 studies in 13 countries, it is concluded that reporting of injuries in official accident statistics is incomplete at all levels of injury severity. In rounded values, the mean reporting level in the countries included was found to be 95 percent for fatal injuries according to the 30-day rule, 70 percent for serious injuries (admitted to hospital), 25 percent for slight injuries (treated as outpatients), and 10 percent for very slight injuries (treated outside hospitals). Reporting levels vary substantially among countries, ranging from 21 to 88 percent for hospital-treated injuries. Reporting is highest for car occupants and lowest for cyclists. In particular, single-vehicle bicycle accidents are very rarely reported in official road accident statistics.