[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 the traffic accidents and the profile of the victims attended at the Emergency Hospital of Goiânia, aged 15 to 24 years and residents in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil. It's 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, mean age of 19.94 +/- 2.73 years, and drivers. Motorcycles (67.33%) and bicycles (16.67%) were frequently mode of transport. Accidents usually occurred around 6 pm, 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 by 15.16% of the cases. More motorcyclists believed that there was imprudence/ negligence than the cyclists. Security equipment was not used by 8.58% of motorcyclists, 95.45% of cyclists. Educational measures for motorcyclists and law enforcement highlighting the nights and weekends are needed.