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            Guatemala suffers from a relatively high rate of accidental deaths.  Approximately 6% of deaths come from violence, 3.77% of deaths from motor vehicle accidents, and 4.85% of deaths from “other accidents.”  Comparatively throughout the world, this puts the country at 11th in violent related deaths, 83rd in motor vehicle accidents, and an outstanding 3rd in the world in “other accidents (World Life Expectancy, 2018).”  As 90% of injury related deaths occur in low-income countries (World Health Organization, 2018), it is no surprise that Guatemala ranks so high.  Other than the obvious impact of physical health that these deaths would have, there is a heavy emotional toll left on the family members of these accident victims (World Health Organization, 2018). 

            Although in Guatemala and throughout the world, there are initiatives to reduce unintentional injuries and deaths, much work is still needed.  Although the country has both a mandated motorcycle helmet law and a national seatbelt law, their usage is approximately 40% and 50% respectively due to low enforcement regulations (World Health Organization, 2013).  I will also say that I personally have experienced the road hazards of Guatemala, and I feared for my health and safety daily while on the road.