Department of Forensic Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Sector 32, Chandigarh - 160047, INDIA.
The present study, carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India was aimed at studying the various parameters of the road traffic fatalities on Chandigarh roads, with a view to suggest a role model for bringing down the rate of vehicular accidents and accidental deaths in other places.
During the period of study; 1994–2000, 1885 autopsies were performed at the Department. Deaths due to road traffic accidents comprised 42.18% (795) of these cases.
The study revealed a steep decrease in the percentage of deaths due to road traffic accidents, from 59.50% to 32.10%. Young adults of the age group 21–30 years, were the major victims, 270 (33.96%). Males were involved in 643 (80.88%) deaths. 335 (42.14%) victims were pedestrians, followed by two-wheeler users - 312 (39.15%). Buses were the most common offending vehicles, 210 (26.42%), followed by cars, 156 (19. 62%). 490 (61.63%) people died within 24 hours of the accident and head injury was the most common cause of death, 568 (71.45%).
A continuing decrease in the rate and a persistent increase in the female fatalities following road traffic accidents, were concluded.
unnatural deaths, road-traffic fatalities, accident rate, female preponderance, changing trends
