Road traffic accidents fatality and disability in D.I. Khan N.W.F.P

Road traffic accidents are important cause of death and disability in the world. More than 3000 people die on road everyday and 10 million are disabled or injured every year. The present study is an attempt to visualize the menace in D.I. Khan. The study is based upon the data of autopsies and medico legal cases examined at DHQ Hospital, D.I. Khan and Forensic Medicine Department of Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan during year 2007 and 2008. The data was analysed for assessment of traffic accident victims. During period of study 341 cases of unnatural deaths were subjected to autopsy examination. Out of these 59 cases [22.7%] were of accidental deaths and all were male. A total of 225 injuries were recorded. The head and face sustained the highest number of injuries [42.6%] followed by the lower extremities [21.8%]. The total no. of Medico legal cases was 2153 and out of which 495 [23%] were injured due to accidents. Majority were males [99.4]. A total of 1208 injuries were found in various body areas. The maximum number of injuries [39.4%] was on head and face and next were lower extremities sustaining 28.4% injuries. The situation is alarming one and it requires immediate measures to be taken for ensuring safe traveling. Accidental death and disability can be minimized by improving roads condition, making separate pathways for cyclists and motor cyclists and adopting precautionary measures during driving