Pattern of road traffic accident deaths: A critical autopsy analysis in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated fatalities resulting from Road traffic accidents to inform public health policy on the need for their prevention. This is a descriptive prospective study of road traffic accident deaths in Nairobi; of all the bodies brought at the city mortuary Nairobi in the period between June 1 2009, and May 31 2010. In this study, all cases of deaths from road traffic accidents for twelve consecutive months were included. Data was entered on a proforma datasheet. Data was analysed using SPSS. The study concluded that the major contributor of Accidental deaths is road traffic accidents. Furthermore, road traffic accident fatalities significantly involve pedestrians compared to the other class of people. Fatalities from road traffic accidents are a preventable public health problem in Kenya. The study recommends that the driving habits in Kenya be regulated to prevent these fatalities.