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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2014 pp 200-204

Research Article

Profiling of two-wheeler related fatal accident cases autopsied at the union territory of India – Puducherry

Reddy A.¹, Kagne R. N.², Balaraman R.³, Sivaraman V.⁴, Diwakar S.⁵

¹Assistant Professor, ²Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College, Puducherry-605106, INDIA.

³Head,  ⁴Chief Medical Officer, ⁵Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Postgraduate Institute, Puducherry-605001 INDIA.

Academic Editor: Dr. Aher K. R.

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents are considered to be one of the leading causes of disabilities and mortalities all over the world. Two wheeler accidents are quite common in developing countries and effective measures are needed to prevent them. Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the involvement of motorcycle and pedalcycle occupants, and also pedestrians who succumbed due to two wheeler accidents. Profiling of these fatal cases in the union territory will be highlighted here. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was carried out at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Postgraduate Institute in Union territory, Puducherry. Specifically, two wheeler related fatalities autopsied in the calendar year 2012 were analyzed. Observations: It was identified that two wheeler related accidental deaths were accounted for 8.65% (135) of all medicolegal autopsies (n=1560) conducted in 2012. Predominantly male gender (male: female ratio is 7:1) and adults in the age group of 20-49 years (62%) are vulnerable to two wheeler accidents. Two wheeler riders (43%), pedestrians (33%) and pillion riders (13%) are most frequent sufferers in the descending order. Evidently involved vehicles are geared motorcycles (80%) compared to non-geared motorcycles and pedalcycles. Fissured fractures are the most common type of skull fracture and head injuries are the most frequent cause of death in two wheeler accident deaths. Conclusions: Health education and awareness among public regarding road safety measures. Obeying traffic laws and use of protective measures will benefit the users by decreasing the severity of accidents, disabilities and in turn fatalities.