[Traffic injuries among youth in Goiânia, Goiás State]

Traffic injuries are currently one of the world's main public health issues in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to describe the circumstances involved in traffic accidents and the profile of the victims attended at Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia, age group of 15 to 24 years and residents in Goiânia--Brazil. It is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out from August 2005 to August 2006 by systematic sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Most of the 301 victims were male; with average age of 19.94 + 2.73 years, and drivers. Motorcycles (67.33%) and bicycles (16.67%) were the most frequent transportation. Accidents usually occurred around 6pm, on Fridays and Sundays. The victims were generally traveling/walking to/from exercise, sports, school, recreational or entertainment activities. Suspicion of alcohol use was reported in 15.16% of the cases. More motorcyclists believed that there was imprudence/ negligence in the accident than the cyclists. Security equipment was not used by 8.58% of motorcyclists and 95.45% of cyclists. Educational measures for motorcyclists and surveillance highlighting the night time and weekends are needed.