Road traffic accident autopsy cases: Injury pattern and alcohol use.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Public Health
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
• Increasing RTA fatalities highlight the urgent need to understand injury patterns and contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patterns of injuries, causes of death, and alcohol involvement in RTA autopsy cases.
• To analyze demographic data and injury characteristics of RTA fatalities in Northern India.

Main Methods:

• An observational retrospective study was conducted over three years (2021-2023).
• Data from 64 RTA autopsy cases were collected from autopsy reports, inquest papers, and hospital records.

Main Results:

• The majority of victims were young males (89.06%) aged 21-30 years.
• Head injuries were the primary cause of death (73.44%), followed by hemorrhagic shock (18.75%).
• Ethyl alcohol was detected in 26.56% of cases, with concentrations exceeding 250 mg% in 7 instances.

Conclusions:

• Young males are most vulnerable to fatal RTAs, often due to head injuries.
• Alcohol consumption significantly contributes to RTA fatalities among young male drivers.
• Recommendations include stricter traffic laws, road safety improvements, driver education, vehicle safety enhancements, and prompt medical intervention.