Citation

Queiroz MS, Oliveira PC. Cad. Saude Publica 2002; 18(5): 1179-1187.

Vernacular Title

Acidentes de transito: uma visao qualitativa no Municipio de Campinas, Sao Paulo,

Affiliation

Centro de Memoria, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13085-370, Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Escola Nacional De Saude Publica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12244350

Abstract

This article takes an interdisciplinary qualitative approach to the problem of traffic accidents in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The authors begin by analyzing the "municipalization" (i.e., decentralization to the municipal level) of transport and traffic management in Campinas based on social representations by members of the local government's technical staff. Data demonstrate a significant drop in traffic accident mortality in Campinas in the last ten years. The findings illustrate how new transport and traffic policies had several positive effects. Special attention is given to the objectives, strategies, and obstacles dealt with by local government in the "municipalization" of traffic. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for specific public policies to revitalize urban mass transportation, including special traffic safety educational programs.