Title: A Cross-sectional Study of Road Traffic Accidents at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Authors: Devanda Lalchand, Rathore MS, Chaudhary RC, Singh Laxman, Pankaj JP

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i4.21

Abstract

Introduction: Injuries related to road traffic accidents (RTA) contribute to significant increase of the number of trauma admissions at tertiary care centre, taking out a significant number of lives and resources. We need to distinguish to more about the numbers and types of injuries and about the situation in which these types of injuries occurred. The present study was aimed to access epidemiological correlates of road traffic accidents in a tertiary care hospital of Jaipur city.

Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. Detailed information about socio demographic profile of the victims, epidemiological data and details of the circumstances leading to accidents was collected from the victims or by his/her attendant.

Results: The present study showed male preponderance (73.67%) with maximum involvement of younger age groups (21-40 Years) among both sexes. Most of the accidents had taken place on state highways at crossing points. The most venerable road users were two wheeler, LMV and pedestrians constituted 42.67%, 14.17% and 10.67% respectively. Highest numbers of RTA were occurred during rainy season (52.17%) and during evening hours (41.83%). Drunken driving, use of mobile, talking with co-passenger and over speed were identified as common cause of accidents. Driving without helmets or seat belts were major contributing factors for severity of injury.

Conclusion: Younger age group was most commonly affected by RTA and non-use of helmets and seat belts necessities the strict enforcement of traffic rules and awareness programs in schools and colleges.

Keywords: Road traffic accidents, Injuries, Trauma, Driving.

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Corresponding Author

Rathore MS

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