Pattern of Road Traffic Accidents Mortality in Rawalpindi and Islamabad- An Autopsy Based Study

Objective: To find out the pattern, frequency and demographical aspects of road traffic accidents (RTA). To see/suggest recommendations to institutions, administrations and planning authorities to take remedial steps for reducing RTA morbidities and mortalities. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: Mortuaries of Polyclinic Hospital, PIMS Hospital Islamabad and DHQ Hospital Rawalpindi. Study conducted between Sep 2018-March 2019. Material and methods: The data was collected from the autopsy records of the mortuaries of the above mentioned hospitals. All 248 autopsies conducted during the study period were included but those died of natural cause were excluded. Data was collected from the records on pre-designed Perform which was analyzed in SPSS 23. Results: RTA deaths comprised of 61(24.5%). All RTA deaths were accidental regarding manner of death. Age group effected the most were 18-40 years, 27(11.6%) followed by 41-60 years.11 (4.4%). Gender distribution revealed higher prevalence for males 129 (52%) than for female47 (19%). RTA deaths in urban and rural areas were 72 (29.2%) and 15(6%) respectively. Head injury was the major cause of death attributable to RTA 172 (69%) along with chest injuries 42 (17%), abdomen 11 (10%), pelvis 7 (3%). Pedestrians effected were 141 (57%) followed by two wheelers 59 (24%) and motor vehicles 48 (19%) Conclusions: RTA were second main cause of unnatural deaths. Majorly caused by head injuries. Males, urban population, pedestrian and biwheelers were dominantly effected.