A study on risk factors of road traffic accidents in Kottayam District, Kerala State

Background: The process of rapid and unplanned urbanization has resulted in an unwanted revolution in the growth of motorvehicle worldwide. The alarming increase in morbidity and mortality showing to Road Traffic Accident over the past fewdecades is a matter of great concern in Kerala. Day by day road traffic accidents are increasing in Kottayam district. The study will add knowledge on understanding what risk factors contribute to the occurrence of road traffic accidents and related injuries in Kottayam district. Materials and Method: The study were conducted among the victims of road traffic accidents occurred in Kottayam district during the study period of 15 days, who are in both IP and OP of orthopaedic and surgery department of Private super speciality hospital in Kottayam District. From the population 48 were taken as sample. Census method were adopted for selecting sample. Result: Majority of road accident victims are under the age group 20-30. Males are more subjected to road traffic accidents and this may be because males are using vehicles more than that of females. In the case of accidents most of the accidents are occurred in state highways and at the peak time of traffic(4pm-8pm). From the study it is learnt that most of the accidents are occurred between two wheelers and cars. Over speed is the major cause of accidents. And disregard of traffic rules, drunken driving, distracted driving, poorly maintained vehicles, poor conditions of road are other reasons. Majority of accident victims are drivers. Conclusion: The road safety authorities should have to focus on the root cause of occurrence of road traffic accidents and take corresponding steps to solve them.