Experience of fatal road accidents in otago

Abstract

During the period March 1971 to May 1974, approximately 100 Coronial autopsies were performed on victims of road accidents in the Otago district, which includes a population of approximately 150,000. Most of the victims were drivers of cars (57%) followed in decreasing order of frequency by front-seat passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, back-seat passengers and cyclists. A full post-mortem examination including alcohol investigations was done in each case, and the background circumstances were studied as fully as possible. The study has revealed that excessive alcohol consumption, excessive speed and low incidence of seat belt usage were the main factors involved. Alcohol was predominant in motorcar accidents but it was rarely involved in those involving motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. The investigation shows that most accidents are multifactorial and that the driver environment has been given less prominence than it deserves, e.g. vehicle factors, poor road surfaces, poorly cambered roads, absence of barricades beside banks, poorly lighted road works and dangerously postioned telegraph poles. Alcohol levels show that in most instances, the level has been far in excess of the statutory limit, suggesting the possibility that random testing of drivers will not have the effect on the road toll which is widely claimed. The limited seat-belt legislation in New Zealand is shown to be inadequate and its enforcement ineffective. Only two vicitims had seat belts fastened. The study confirms that consideration of background factors as well as post-mortem findings can contribute valuable information for the prevention of fatal accidents.