Comprehensive Study of Two Wheeler Road Traffic Accident Deaths in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) Region

Background: Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of death globally, and the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29. More than a million people die each year on the world's roads, and the cost of dealing with the consequences of these road traffic crashes runs to billions of dollars. Current trends suggest that by 2030 road traffic deaths will become the fifth leading cause of death unless urgent action is taken.

Objective: In road traffic accident fatalities, deaths are mainly due to head injuries, especially in case of two wheelers. An attempt is made in this study to make a scientific observation of these motor vehicle accidents with special reference to two wheelers, in the city of Hyderabad. A general reference is made towards the use of helmets in preventing head injuries.

Methodology: A comprehensive study of pattern of injuries sustained by the victims of road traffic accidents involving two-wheeler reported to Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad during a period of 2010-11.

Results: The total number of autopsies conducted in the year 2010 are 4,636 which constitute roughly about 27.54 % and in the year 2011 are 4,530 which constitutes 28.69 %, RTAs showing a marginal increase of 100 cases per year. Two-wheeler rider fatalities are taken up as they themselves are constituting roughly about 39% in the year 2010 and 41% in the year 2011 of total number of road traffic accidents. Males are more prone to death by RTAs (83.78%) as compare to females (16.21%), making an M: F ratio of 5:1. Incidences of RTA are more in third (24.06%) and fourth decade (18.99%) as compared to both extremes of life.