Health burden of road traffic accidents, an analysis of clinical data on disability and mortality exposure rates in Flanders and Brussels

► Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) were calculated from nationwide registries. ► Clinical datasets allow an injury-based approach to evaluate traffic safety. ► Disability following injuries add substantially to the traffic health burden. ► Based on DALY per kilometres travelled motorcyclists show a substantial health risk. ► Exposure-based health rates help to emphasize the actual health burden of traffic.