Pattern of Injuries in Fatal Road Traffic Accidents: Autopsy Based Study

Abstract

India has the highest number of Road Accident in the World and has earned India a dubious distinction. In Road accident any type of injury could be possible to sustain, which are fatal or dangerous to life. Pattern of the injuries helps in reconstruction of RTA. The study of injuries associated with fatal outcome helps in implementation of measures to prevent fatalities due to RTAs. Hence, the present study conducted to know, pattern and severity of injuries sustained in road traffic accidents, In addition, an attempt also made to know the cause of death. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 639 cases of fatal Road Traffic Accident's autopsied at Victoria Hospital mortuary; department of forensic medicine; BMC & RI, Bengaluru. RESULTS: Males outnumbered females in ratio 8.5: 1. The commonest age group involved was 21-30 years (33.46%), City roads were commonest (67.78%) 413 Place of RTA's, winter (46.12%) 295 and 6am-12 noon (52.22%) 334 were Seasons and time of occurrence of accidents respectively. More cases were from urban area (69.34%) 69.34. Abrasions 99.7% are most common injuries among the road users followed by contusions90% and laceration 89%. The body region most commonly (28%) affected was extremities. multiple injuries was the commonest cause of death. Combination of subdural with subarachnoid haemorrhage was observed in 62 % (185) cases,