Forensic Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
*Correspondence: Dr. O.P. Murty, Additional Professor, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India. E-mail: dropmurty@yahoo.co.in, dropmurthy2006@hotmail.com.
This study was aimed to find out pattern of injuries to drivers and occupants who were involved in fatal four wheel vehicle accidents. All fatal cases during five years (2001–2005) period at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur were studied in order to develop and design preventive strategies and best treatment policy.
All motor vehicle accident cases involving four - wheelers i.e. cars, bus, Lorries, vans, tractors, and four wheel drives (4WD) were retrospectively reviewed. Injured people who died within 30 days of incident were considered in this study. Data regarding Victims background like sex, age, race, date and time of accident, occupation, drink behaviour, drug history were gathered through autopsy records. External and internal injuries were noted on charts.
There were total 171 cases including 138 males and 33 females involved in fatal four wheel vehicle accident were found in this study period. The highest no. of case involved was in age group of 21–30 years. In majority, cause of death was poly trauma followed by head injuries. All victims suffered from external facial injuries. However, drivers sustained more internal injuries compared to other occupants. Intraparenchymal haemorrhages with diffuse axonal injury (DIA) were recorded as the commonest causes amongst head injuries and were present in drivers (44%), front seat passengers (50%), and back seat passengers (33%)). Amongst the drivers, 41% drivers sustained right lung injuries; amongst front seat passengers 53% suffered from left lung injuries. Back seat occupants have almost equally distribution percentages of right and left lung injuries. Almost all categories of victims had significant injuries to their liver and kidney. Furthermore, most victims suffered of 81–83 vertebra fracture.
A combination of measurements such as increased public awareness, safety precaution and caring attitude will reduce number of accidents and help in preventing some of injuries.
Motor vehicle accident, four wheel vehicle accident, four wheeler vehicle accident, fatal accidents, car accidents, M VA
