ANALYSIS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THANE CITY

Vrushti V. Kulkarni, Vrushali V. Kulkarni* and Sundaram Kartikeyan

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional descriptive complete enumeration study was conducted in Thane city, Maharashtra state to determine the pattern and distribution of road traffic accidents. The data on road traffic accidents for the years 2015 and 2016 were obtained from the Traffic Police Department, Thane after obtaining written permissions from appropriate authorities. The difference in month-wise distribution of accident-related deaths was not significant for males as well as females. The gender differences for fatal, serious and minor injuries were significant for the years 2015 (p=0.0004) and 2016 (p=0.0029). The month-wise diurnal variation was not significant for 2015 (p=0.711) and 2016 (p=0.535). Though a majority of the victims were young adults, the month-wise differences in age of victim were highly significant for 2015 (p<0.0001). Most accidents occurred on roads other than National or State highways, with significant difference for 2015 (p=0.00008) and 2016 (p=0.00001). Light motor vehicles were frequently involved in accidents and the difference in distribution of type of vehicles was highly significant for 2016 (p<0.001). Prevention of road traffic accidents would require multi-pronged strategies including public-private partnership for awareness programmes that would appeal to various age groups.

Keywords: Gender differences, Road traffic accidents, Road traffic injuries, Vehicles.