Circumstances of fatal road traffic accidents among adolescents in a metro city of India

Abstract

Road Traffic Accident (RTA) is an important public health problem globally in all age groups, particularly among adolescents. RTA is one of the leading causes of death in India. The long-term impact of RTA among adolescents is serious in society in terms of economy, disease burden, and future productivity.This study attempts to find out the circumstances of fatal road traffic accidents among adolescents in a metro city in India.This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at an autopsy center in Kolkata, India for a period of one year. Data were obtained from reports of post-mortem examinations and police inquests of fatal road traffic accidents in adolescents, reported to the institute. The data was compiled in Microsoft Excel and analysed by using a simple table.The total number of RTA deaths among adolescents during the study period was 45, with 91% of them male and 9% female. The most common offending vehicle in RTA deaths was a motorized two-wheeler (71%). 91% of the deceased were riders while 9% were pillion riders. 59% of them were below the age (18 years) of obtaining a valid driving license. The majority had collided with stationary objects during the RTA and died due to head injury (52%).