Road traffic accidents in Polonnaruwa District: analysis of patients admitted to a surgical unit

Introduction:

Mortality and morbidity due to Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) is a major problem in Sri Lanka. Death toll in 2017 was 3101 and there were 8144 critical accidents. Motor cycle has been the commonest vehicle type involved.

 

Objective:

To describe the injuries and identify causes of injury in RTAs presented to a general hospital in a semi urban region in Sri Lanka.

 

Method:

We prospectively analyzed all the patients admitted with a history of RTA to a surgical unit at District General Hospi­tal Polonnaruwa, in North Central Province of Sri Lanka from 01/02/2017 for a 3 months period.

 

Results:

There were 199 patients in the sample with 146 (74%) being male. 118(59%) were drivers/riders, 70(35%) pas­sengers and 11(06%) pedestrians. Commonest vehicle involved was motor cycle 152(78%).Commonest body area involved was limbs 126(67%) followed by head 89(48%) and face 57(31%). 22 of 84 driver patients (30%) did not have a valid driving license and 26(22%) of 126 driver/pillion rider of motorcycles had not been wearing a helmet at the time. There was evidence for alcohol involvement in 37(18.6%) injured patients.

 

Conclusion:

The findings indicate many of the injuries due to RTAs are preventable by taking appropriate action.