A study of injury characteristics in road traffic accidents by different road user category

Abstract

Background:Trauma is one of the oldest subjects in medical science because it appeared just as early as human being came to the earth. At the same time trauma is also a novel subject, because trauma has been strikingly increasing with the high-speed development of economical construction, traffic transport and sharp increase of vehicles in number. Therefore, trauma is called the twin brother of the modem civilization. Accidents occur not only due to ignorance but also due to carelessness, thoughtlessness and over confidence. Human, vehicular and environmental factors play role before, during and after a road traffic accidents (RTA). Road traffic injuries are partially predictable and hence preventable.Methods: this was prospective observational study in which all cases of road traffic accident victims admitted to the hospital (AVBRH) between July 2014 to September 2016, were analyzed statistically with respect to their demographic profile, injury characteristics and outcome.Results:This study showed that motorcyclists were predominantly affected (77.3%) in RTA. Males (80.67%) in the working age group 21-40 years (64.66%) were most commonly affected leading to huge economic losses to their families. Majority RTA took place between 4pm to 12am (57.33 %), on Sundays and Saturday (41.66%) and during summer season (52.67%). Extremity injury (67%) was the most common injury followed by craniocerebral injuries (58.33%). Maximum mortality was seen in LMV/HMV occupants (25%).Conclusions:Road traffic accidents are preventable. Strict traffic laws and penalties have to be imposed to curb this ever growing menace.