Forensic Profiling of Road Traffic Accident Victims- A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have become a significant public health problem that requires a multi-disciplinary strategy to solve. Every year, 1.35 million people die because of RTAs. The effects of a traffic accident not only cause the sufferer to suffer physically, emotionally, and financially, but they also have a deadly impact on the way the entire family functions.

Objectives: This study's objective was to assess the current RTA situation in Manikganj district, determine the injury pattern, explore the causes and frequency of accidents, and find out the sociodemographic characteristics of the victims. Methodology: This retrospective study was carried out in the Manikganj District hospital, Bangladesh, during the period of January, 2019 to December, 2020.

Results: During the study period, there were 381 postmortems performed, of which 83 (21.78%) instances involved RTA. Of the victims, 49(59.04%) were men and 34(40.96%) women. Incidence of RTA (24, 28.91%) was the highest among people aged 21 to 30 years. The most accidents happened during the daytime (32, 38.55%). All victims sustained many abrasions and bruises (83, 100%), laceration was present in 46(55.42%), fractured ribs in 33(39.75%), fractured hipbones in 32(38.55%), skull bones fractured in 16(19.27%), head injury in 26 (31.32%) and intracranial haemorrhages in 26(31.32%) cases. Most victims (59, 71.08%) were pedestrians, followed by passengers and drivers. In 83 instances, head injuries accounted for most fatalities (22, 26.53%), followed by multiple traumas, haemorrhagic shock, spinal cord damage, septic shock and crush syndrome.

Conclusion: Strict adherence to traffic laws, public awareness campaigns, and adequate driver training all reduce the likelihood of road accidents and lessen their severity.

Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2023; 9 (2):53-57