A study of injury pattern in Road Traffic Accidents involving Two Wheelers

INTRODUCTION : Considering the preciousness of human lives, this study has been undertaken to analyze the pattern of injuries in Road Traffic Accidents Involving Two Wheelers. As a Forensic Medicine Post graduate I am proud to conduct this study to create awareness among the law enforcing authorities, transport authorities and public regarding two wheeler fatalities. A sincere attempt has been made in this study to analyze the distribution of the pattern of injuries sustained by two wheeler travelers, so that appropriate interventional strategies can be evolved at various levels and by different agencies. AIM : This study was done to observe and analyze the pattern of injuries among victims of two wheeler accidents, influence of Physical factors, the survival period of victims and the effectiveness of helmets in providing protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS : It is a prospective study involving 147 two wheeler road traffic accidents victims brought to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for Medicolegal examination. Preliminary datas collected from the investigating Officer and the injuries measured during autopsy were entered in the Excel Sheet. Statistical Analysis done using SSPS Software version 16. RESULTS : Majority of the Victims were males belonging to the age group of 20- 40 years. Riders were most commonly involved than Pillion riders. Significant proportion of the riders were males. Most of the accidents occur about 6.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. The number of victims died per hour was higher first 12 hours. Injury pattern was analysed. Abrasions were higher in frequency among the external injuries, seen more in the extremities. Among the head injuries contusions are commonly seen followed by fractures. Most commonly involved skull bone is temporal bone, linear fissure fracture type more in frequency than communited fracture. Subdural haemorrhage seen in higher frequency. In riders, Fracture of Forearm bones, Femur commonly involved. No significant difference in the cause of death among the riders and pillion riders. Head injury is commonest cause of death. Among the non helmet uses, head injury is the most common cause of death. CONCLUSION : The Present study shows that the mostly commonly involved victims are males, age group 20 to 40 years. Most of them are riders. Self fall is commonly seen around 6.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. Cranio Cerebral injuries are the commonest cause of death, more among the non helmet users. Helmet wearing plays one of the most important factors preventing the fatality