The analysis of lethal traffic accidents and risk factors

Abstract

Aim We observed the most vulnerable parts of the human body in traffic accidents. Materials and methods The study was made on the cases of death in Timis region in the last 3 years (2005–2007). Out of a total of 2314 forensic autopsies, 407 were consequences of traffic accidents. Results In Romania, it is compulsory to perform the forensic autopsy on traffic accident (TA) victims. In our study concerning the mortality in TA, cranio-cerebral trauma represents 33.58%, vertebro-medullar trauma – 8.09%, thoracic trauma – 2.89%, and singular abdominal trauma – 1.73%. The topographic distribution shows: axial regions – 79.19% (skull 60%, thoracic 9.19%, rachis 5%, pelvis 4%, and abdomen 2%); limbs 20.80%. The gender distribution shows a bigger proportion of male drivers as well as pedestrians (3:1 ratio). The analysis of alcohol abuse in TA shows that 35% of the deceased drivers were under the influence of alcohol. Conclusions The forensic expertise in traffic accidents is very useful in identifying the liable party, in establishing the level of alcohol intoxication, as well as in identifying the injuries with lethal potential.