STUDY OF FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: BASED ON MEDICO-LEGAL AUTOPSIES

Background: Every year almost 1.3 million people lose their lives as a result of road traffic accidents, contributing to above 3500 deaths per day world-wide. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and distribution of RTAs leading to fatality. Material Methods: This was descriptive cross-sectional study of autopsies performed at the mortuary of DHQ Teaching Hospital, D.I.Khan, from January 2013 to December, 2013. Data was collected on a proforma. The results were analyzed using Statistical Software Package SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 160 autopsies, 39 cases were victims of RTAs. Of these RTA victims, 79.4% autopsies were of those between the ages of 1 and 40 years. The gender distribution revealed a higher prevalence for males (84.6%) than females (15.4%). Death was due to injury to the head in 66% cases. The majority of victims were front seat passengers (43.9%), drivers (35.7%), back seat passengers (15.3) and pedestrians (5.1%). Conclusion: There was a higher preponderance for males, front seat passengers younger age groups in road traffic accidents, with head injury being the mode of death