Epidemiological profile of fatal vehicular accidents in rural region of Maharashtra

Abstract

Accident is “An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting\xa0in damage or injury.” With the rise in global urbanization and motorization, vehicular accidents induced\xa0injuries have become major worldwide public health problems. The Prospective study of fatal vehicular\xa0accidents was carried out at Rural Medical College and Hospital in Maharashtra during the period of May\xa02016 to April 2020. Total 216 cases were studied. Age group 51-60 years (20.4%) was most commonly\xa0affected. Males were more affected than females with male: female ratio of 8.8:1. Maximum deaths were\xa0\xa0found in illiterate (30.6%) and were laborers and students by occupation. Maximum (32.4%) mishaps\xa0occurred on national highways. Majority (38%) of the fatal vehicular accidents occurred in evening hours.\xa0Most common category of victim was Motor Cycle Rider (35.2%), followed by pedestrians (30.6%).\xa0Keeping in view the results of this study, multi factorial approach is needed to prevent vehicular accidents\xa0and to minimize their consequences.\n\nKeywords:\xa0fatal vehicular accidents\xa0rural region\xa0epidemiology.