A Comparative Data Analysis of 1835 Road Traffic Accident Victims

Area of Science:

• Traumatology
• Public Health
• Road Safety Engineering

Background:

• Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly concerning head and maxillofacial injuries.
• Chennai's arterial roads, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR), experience substantial traffic volumes, necessitating an understanding of accident patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of RTAs with head and maxillofacial injuries on OMR and ECR.
• To identify key risk factors and demographic patterns associated with these injuries.
• To highlight the importance of safety precautions to mitigate morbidity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for 1835 trauma victims at Chettinad Health City (August 2008 - June 2013).
• Data collected included victim demographics, trauma type, vehicle involved, accident time and zone, and injury details (head, maxillofacial, alcohol consumption).

Main Results:

• OMR accounted for 42% of RTAs, compared to 18.3% on ECR.
• Two-wheeler vehicles were involved in 66.4% of RTAs, with 47.5% of victims sustaining head injuries and 77.2% maxillofacial injuries.
• Accidents predominantly occurred during peak traffic hours (7-10 AM, 5-9 PM) and involved males aged 21-40.

Conclusions:

• RTAs are more prevalent on OMR, disproportionately affecting male two-wheeler riders during peak traffic times.
• Rash driving and speeding are identified as preventable causes; helmet and seatbelt usage are essential for injury prevention.
• Recommendations include implementing stricter safety measures and establishing dedicated ambulance lanes for timely trauma care.