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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: In present century, road traffic injuries represent a major epidemic of non-communicable diseases. Road traffic accidents cause considerable economic loss to nation, victims, and society. The price we pay in terms of hospitalization of victims for longer duration, incurring disability and death. If the cause is probed, it would be possible to reduce its number, severity of injury and even the prevention of RTAs.
Objectives: To study the various epidemiological factors associated with road traffic accident cases.
Materials and Methods: 400 road traffic accident cases were studied, at emergency unit of RNT Government medical college, Udaipur, during the period of July 2010 to December 2010.
Results: Among the 400 study subjects, majority (81.0%) were males, while (19%) females, most of them (33.25%) were in age group of (15-25) years. The motorcyclist comprised (42.5%) of RTA cases, followed by (20.25%) of occupants of car and jeep. Fatal injury (death) was more common(27.56%) in cases of motorized vehicle followed by the pedestrians (10.40%). Among 252 drivers majority (85.71%) were male and (32.94%) of them were not having driving licence. Highest RTAs (33.14%) occurred in drivers who had driving licence issued within two years. Nearly half (49.25%) of RTA cases took place between 5 PM to 9 PM and a good number of drivers(20.23%) reported that they were fatigued at the time of accident.
Conclusion: Road traffic accident is a major public health problem which needs to accelerate the efforts of road safety preventive measures.
Key words: Motorized vehicle, Fatal injuries, Driving licence, Fatigue, Public health
Language: en |