Strategic Analysis of Injuries and Causes of Death in Fatal Two Wheeled Vehicle Accidents-An Autopsy Oriented Study in Southern India

Two wheeled vehicular accidents are estimated for a substantial number of civilian's deaths & disabilities world-wide and in different regions of India. This study draws attention to the profile, pattern of injuries & causes of death among the road users who died in two wheeler accidents. This autopsy oriented study was carried out during the calendar year 2013 at the union territory (Puducherry). Post-mortem data of all the two wheeler related fatalities were tabulated, critically analysed and arrived at conclusions.

Two wheeler Road Traffic Accident (RTA) deaths are recorded for 10.84% of all medico-legal autopsies. Males (male: female ratio of 4.3: 1) and young adults in their second and third decade of life are killed often in RTAs. Two wheeler occupants and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. These road mishaps were occurred mostly in summer & rainy seasons, weekends and during peak hours of traffic between 3PM to 9PM. Deceased sustained multiple injuries over the head & limbs. Majority of the victims have fatal injuries were located on the head and limbs of vulnerable road users. Skull fractures & Intracranial haemorrhages are commonly associated with fatal cases. RTAs require a multitudinal approach at various levels like wearing protective devices and adherence to road safety rules by all the two wheeler users especially vulnerable road users will decrease the number of accidents, disabilities and in turn lethalities.