Profile and Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents in Khammam

During one year study period a total 768 cases of medico legal autopsies were conducted out of which 108 cases were of fatal road traffic accidents at the mortuary of Mamata Medical College and MGH, Khammam, Telangana. Most vulnerable were married males and individuals between 31-40 years. Two wheeler occupants formed the largest group 66[61.11%] followed by the pedestrians 26[24.07%]. Most of the victims were from rural areas, Hindu, belonging to middle income group, studied up to secondary education, working as unskilled workers. Highest number of 49[45.37%] cases occurred during day time, on the nationalhighways60 [55.55%]. We observed that the highest number 60[55.55%] of cases occurred during winter season, on weekend days. The commonest 62[57.40%] type of crash pattern was 2WH to LMV. The commonest road users involved in accidents was two wheeler followed by pedestrians. At the time of accident majority of victims were helmet non users seen in two wheeler road users 66[61.11%]. Human error is the most common cause of road traffic accidents. Fissured fracture was the commonest type. SubDural hemorrhage was the commonest intracranial hemorrhage. We found 83[76.85%] of the victims of RTAs died either on spot or within 24 hours of the accident. Head injury was the responsible for most of deaths. The prime objective of present study is to know the sociodemographic profile, types of road users involved in accidents, crash pattern of accidents, pattern of injuries due to RTA and contributing causative factors for accidents, mechanism of injuries, cause of death and their preventive measures