A Profile on Road Traffic Accidents in Puducherry (Union Territory)

Objectives: 1. To study the Road Traffic accident cases, in a tertiary hospital casualty, Pondicherry institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry.

2. Analyse Monthly trends.

3. Identify modes of transport causing injuries.

Materials and Method: The study was done to find out seasonal variations and mode of travel in fatalities of road traffic accidents.

Results: Seasonal variations in RTA occurrences were noted in May, June, July months - for all vehicles. Isolated increases in RTA occurrences were noted in January for 2 wheelers, February for 4 wheelers. Maximum Accidents occurred in two wheelers. Fatalities arriving at casualty were more in Males compared to Females.

Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that the maximum deaths occurred in two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The factors were noted as overspeeding, rise in vehicles plying on the roads, unmarked barricades, lack of efficient lighting along the roads, driving under the influence of alcohol, under-developed roads and absent road signs at needy places. Males were more frequently involved. All head injuries were fatal and not wearing Helmets while on two wheelers were associated with fatal outcomes. Avoiding seat belts while driving caused more deaths in four-wheelers. Among the injured a male preponderance was seen as they are the ones who come out more often from the house [1]. Maximum Accidents -- Two wheelers. Fatality in Males more compared to Females.