Severity And Causes of Accidents

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the severity and causes of accidents on motorways M-1 and M-2.
Study Design: Descriptive survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Public Health, Sarhad University Islamabad Campus from Jan to Mar 2017.
Material and Methods: It was a census study and data of all accidents, occurred during 2015 (01 Jan-31 Dec), was collected by using National Highway and Motorway Police Forms (Form No: 1.1/ops, 1.2/ops and 1.3/ops). No sampling technique was involved as all accidents were studied.
Results: Out of total 453 accidents during 2015, 242 (53%) were non-fatal, 102 (23%) were fatal and 109 (24%) involved property damage. Out of total 153 deaths, 89 (58%) were passengers, 51 (33%) were drivers and 13 (9%) were pedestrians. Six hundred (77%) passengers were injured out of 769 and number of drivers injured was 169 (22%). Major causes of accidents were over speeding (39%), dozing at wheel (21%) and tyre bursts (15%). Most of accidents were reported on Saturdays and Sundays; 78 (17%) and 75 (16.5%) respectively, whereas least number reported on Fridays 49 (11%). Maximum number of accidents happened in December that was 69 (15%), followed by July and September (14% in each month).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study road accidents are more prevalent in male drivers (91%). Majority of crashes involved LTV (70%) and peak timings were midnight to early morning (30%) and afternoon (28%). Over speeding and dozing at wheel (63%) and poor tyre conditions (27%) were main causes of accidents requiring multi-sectoral approach along with community participation.