Demographic profiles of victims of fatal road traffic accidents in central Indian population: A cross sectional study

Abstract

The study was carried out in the department of forensic medicine at Government College and hospital, Nagpur over a period of one and half year on 200 dead bodies of victims of road traffic fatalities brought to mortuary for medico-legal post mortem examination. The purpose of study is to analyse the magnitude of deaths due to road traffic accidents and to study the demographic profiles, so the preventive measure can be undertaken. The peak incidence was seen in age group of 21-30 years; males comprised a majority and constituted 83.50% cases. 61.50% cases were belongs to urban area and in 56% cases four wheeler and above were offending vehicle. Majority of victims of road traffic accidents died within 6 hours and head injury was most common cause of death which accounts total 56% cases of road traffic accident deaths. The study emphasis that there should be multi-disciplinary approach and effective road safety interventions to reduce the incidence of RTA, thereby reduction in injuries and deaths on the roads. Keywords: Road traffic accidents (RTAs), Victims, Demographic profile.