EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FATALITIES: AN AUTOPSY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A REMOTE DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL
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Keywords
Road traffic accidents, Autopsy, Epidemiology, West Bengal, Cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide, with rural regions of India disproportionately affected. Despite the rising incidence, limited data are available from remote districts of West Bengal.
Objectives: To assess the epidemiological patterns of RTA-related fatalities in a rural setting of West Bengal through autopsy-based analysis.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital over one year (January–December 2024). All medico-legal autopsy cases attributed to RTAs were included. Data were recorded in a structured proforma and analyzed by age, sex, occupation, socioeconomic background, time, place, and road-user profile.
Results: A total of 450 RTA fatalities were studied. Males predominated (79.3%), with the highest involvement in the 21–30 years age group (28.7%). Students (23.6%) and daily wage workers (23.1%) were most affected. Two-wheelers were the leading vehicles involved (53.1%). Accidents occurred most frequently during evening hours (41.3%) and in the winter months (37.6%). Motorcyclists (39.6%) and pedestrians (35.8%) were the most common victims. Rural roads accounted for 92.2% of accidents.
Conclusion: Young males, especially two-wheeler users and pedestrians, are the most vulnerable groups in rural West Bengal. Targeted interventions such as strict enforcement of helmet laws, pedestrian safety measures, and rural road infrastructure development are urgently warranted.
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Dr Swapan Kumar Adhikari
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital
Dr Soumya Dey
RMO Cum Clinical Tutor, Department of Radiotherapy, Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital