TY - JOUR PY - 2002// TI - Traffic accidents: a qualitative approach from Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil JO - Cadernos de Saude Publica A1 - Queiroz, M. S. A1 - Oliveira, P. C. SP - 1179 EP - 1187 VL - 18 IS - 5 N2 - 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. LA - SN - 0102-311X UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -