A study of pattern of fatal head injuries sustained during road traffic accidents in Western Uttar Pradesh

Road traffic accident is one among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality in South-East Asian countries, including India. Head injury is the single most common cause of mortality in road traffic mishap. Present study signifies that majority of the victims of road traffic mishap are young adult males of age group (21–30 years), and are either pedestrians or two wheeler occupans, without helmets. Most accident occurred between 6: 00 p.m to 8: 59 p.m. Head injury was reported in 77.6% of cases. Fatal injuries to head were the leading/sole cause in 227 (50.4%) fatalities. Subdural hematoma was found in 57.6% cases; 69.4% had fracture of skull or face bone. Left temporal bone was the most common bone fractured in fatal head injury (45.3%). Present study clearly signifies the use of preventive measurements like helmet can significantly reduce mortality & morbidity.