Study of Two-wheeler Accident Cases Admitted in the Konkan Region of Maharashtra

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mortality due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) is the main public health problem. Two-wheelers are the primary means of transportation used by most of the Indian population. The number of victims of road accidents in our country has steadily increased. Materials and Methods: The current study was carried out on 105 cases from December 1, 2018, to April 30, 2019, in the tertiary care hospital and Apex Institute located in the Konkan region in Maharashtra, which serves the needs of the rural population in Sahyadri Ghats of the western coast of India. Results: The study included 105 cases, 82 (78.10%) of men and 23 (21.90%) of women. Most cases include the age group 31–40 years (26.67%), followed by 21–30 years (22.86%). In 88.58% of cases, motorcycles and pillion riders were affected. The most common injury was abrasion (40.75%), followed by contusion (22.85%), laceration (22.85%), and fracture and dislocation of bones and joints (12%). The most typical sites of injuries were the head and neck (36.80%), lower limb (16.90%), upper limb (26.40%), anterior trunk (12.90%), and posterior trunk (7.20%). Overspeeding was the most common factor responsible for accidents (47.61%). Conclusions: There is an urgent need for intervention to address road safety issues in the Konkan region. The recommendations include improving road conditions, raising awareness of safety measures, and enforcing traffic laws, particularly helmet use. These measures are essential to mitigate the growing public health problems associated with RTAs in the region.