Road Traffic Accidents; Modern Causes and Trends among RTA Patients.

Abstract

Objectives: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a growing public health concern in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas. This study aims to investigate the modern causes and trends of RTAs among patients in Sialkot City.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from major hospitals. A sample of RTA patients was selected to complete a questionnaire, gathering information on the circumstances surrounding the accidents. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify significant patterns and correlations.

Results:

The majority of the RTA patients were males (67.2%, n= 336) aged 21-40 years. The most common occupation was drivers (54.6%, n= 273), followed by students (45.4%, n= 227). Human error was the leading cause, followed by road conditions and vehicle-related factors:

• Distracted driving (excluding mobile phones): 100 patients (20%) - e.g., eating.
• Speeding/Reckless driving: 150 patients (30%)
• Failure to Yield/Disobeying Traffic Signs: 138 patients (27.6%)
• For mobile phone usage:
• Using a mobile phone: 110 (22%)
• Not using a mobile phone: 390 (78%)
• Most RTAs occurred during peak time hours (7 am-9 am and 4 pm-6 pm) (55.1%,n = 250

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the necessity of targeted interventions to mitigate human error, enhance road conditions, and foster safe driving practices in Sialkot City. The findings underscore the dominant role of human error, particularly in speeding and phone usage.