Epidemiological variables and patterns of road traffic accident fatalities

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) exhibit a rising trend in disability, mortality and morbidity, which is a major public health concern. Though there have been significant improvements in urbanization and motorization, there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis of RTA patterns, their determinants, health impacts and other factors. Objective: Objective: The study aims to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of RTA fatalities and the injury patterns found on their bodies brought for postmortem examination at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Comilla Medical College, Comilla. Materials and Method: We conducted a retrospective study at the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Comilla Medical College, Comilla from January 2024 to December 2024. Total 724 postmortem examinations were performed during the mentioned period among which 57 amounted to RTA fatalities. The study included a number of variables, including age, sex, religion, educational status, professional background, marital status, types of vehicles, and different types of injuries found in the deceased. Results: In terms of sex, the majority of victims were male (65%), and the 21–40-year age group was most commonly affected (53%). Three main groups of people were among the deceased: pedestrians, drivers and passengers, with pedestrians ranking highest (44%) compared with drivers and passengers. Types of vehicles more prone to accident were auto vehicles (42%). Conclusion: By enforcing strict traffic laws, raising public awareness through traffic rule–related programs, and strictly prohibiting the issuance of licenses to unskilled drivers or for unfit vehicles, RTAs can be minimized.

J Med Coll Women Hosp.2026; 22(2): 31-37