Pattern of Injuries Associated with Deaths Following Road Traffic Accidents as Seen in a Tertiary Health Centre Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Deaths from road traffic accidents are usually due to certain fatal injuries to the body. These deaths are to a large extent preventable. In our setting most fatalities leading to death are mostly associated with head injuries. Lack of use of car seat belts, lack of use of helmets by motor bike riders, use of cars without airbags, alcohol and drug abuse by road users are all negative behaviours accounting for these fatal injuries. This study aims to discuss the pattern of injuries leading to deaths from road traffic accidents in our centre with recommendations on ways to reducing these deaths. Road traffic accident deaths constitute 69.9% of all deaths recorded in our Mortuary record from January 2006 to December 2010.. The male gender is more hit and age range 40-49 years accounted for the highest frequency. Government and the citizenry should be responsible in stemming this tide.