*Resident, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Mullana- Ambala E-mail: rajeshdd86@gmail.com
**Resident, Dept. of Community Medicine
Online published on 26 October, 2012.
Research across the globe has proved that like all other accidents road traffic accidents are also predictable hence preventable to a certain extent. The present study aims to ascertain the incidence of fatal vehicular accidents and patterns of injuries with emphasis on traumatic brain injuries amongst RTA victims brought to hospitals in rural Haryana. All the deaths due to road traffic accidents occurred in these hospitals during the period 2006–2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Out of 1458 medico-legal autopsies conducted, 536 (36.7%) were of vehicular accident fatalities. Majority of male victims (53.9%) were found in the age group of > 10–40 years (P < 0.05). A large proportion of the victims (33.79%) died on the spot/brought dead or died within 1 hour of the accident. Head injuries were more frequent among motorcyclists (39.6%). Very high morbidity at place of accident or at initial phase of treatment is definitely alarming and highlights the need for taking urgent steps for establishing good pre-hospital care and provision of trauma services at site in India.
Road Accidents, Fatal, Rural, Head Injuries, Morbidity, Medico-legal autopsies
