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Abstract
Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a leading public health problem and the understanding of RTIs in rural India is limited. The present report documents the burden, pattern, characteristics and outcomes of RTIs in a rural district of India using combined data sources: police and hospital. RTIs contributed for 38% of fatal and 39% of non-fatal injuries with an annual mortality rate of 18.1/100,000 population/year. Young males were affected most and two-wheeler users and pedestrians were involved in 45% and 20% of fatal crashes, respectively. Nearly half (51%) of fatal RTIs occurred on national highways of the district; 46% died immediately at the site. Among those hospitalised, 20% were under the influence of alcohol while use of helmets and seat belts was <5%. Trauma care was deficient in the district leading to greater number of referrals. Road safety should be given high importance in rural India with a focus on safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people along with trauma care.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Prof. P. Satish Chandra, Director/Vice Chancellor, NIMHANS for all the encouragement and support. Sincere thanks to Mr R.K. Raju and Dr Somashekar, former Deputy Commissioners; Dr Pratap Surya, District Surgeon, Mr Suresh T.R. and Dr Harsha P.S., former District Superintendents of Police for all cooperation in supporting data collection and facilitating use of data for strengthening activities. Our thanks are also to project staff (Mr Sridharmurthy, Mr Kumar G., Mr Madhusudhan, Mr Lokesh M., Mr Chandrashekar A., Ms Rajini L., and Mr Manjunath D.P.) for undertaking data collection and data entry.