Objective To estimate the economic cost of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries (RTI) in Guadalajara metropolitan area (GMA) and Jalisco, Mexico during 2007.

Materials and methods Using an incidence-based cost of illness analysis from a household perspective employing a bottom-up approach all direct medical and non-medical costs, and indirect costs were estimated for a sample of RTI people who sought care during 1 month in four different medical facilities. Individuals were surveyed just before discharge from emergency rooms (ER) and hospitalisation services. Hospitalised individuals were followed up at 8 weeks after discharge. Productivity loss was estimated with the human capital approach. Using estimated costs and administrative records of mortality and morbidity, the economic costs were dimensioned for GMA and for Jalisco. A multivariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate variations resulting from assumptions used.

Results 297 injured were included in the study, 20% were hospitalised and 237 only received care at ER. A total cost of US$21 190 was estimated in all injured receiving care at ER and $83 309 for those hospitalised. Direct cost represents more than 30% of reported income in 8% of the ER users and 80% of hospitalised. Total economic cost was US$329 061 813 for GMA (discount rate of 3%), nearly 51% of the state total (US$650 908 924 or 1.3% of State GNP).

Conclusions This estimation shows the high cost (both, direct and indirect) RTI impose in households affecting their economy and leading families to lose wealth assets, get in debt or impoverished.