Traffic traumatism resulting in deadly consequences in the region of Banjaluka

Introduction: Traffic accidents are a global problem, in which over 1.2 million people on the planet are killed annually. Detailed consideration of these issues is necessary in order to take appropriate preventive measures. Patients and methods: In this retrospective study we used the material of the Department of Forensic Medicine Banjaluka. We have analyzed the data of autopsies of people killed in traffic accidents during the period of 2010 - 2012. We examined the gender and age distribution, type and distribution of injuries, the cause of death for certain groups of participants in traffic, and the presence of alcohol in the victims. Data on the alcohol use were obtained from the Forensic Unit of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republic of Srpska (gas chromatography). Results: Of 186 autopsied, 160 (86%) were male and 26 (14%) women. Two particularly vulnerable groups were the third decade of life and older age. Head injury is the most common cause of death (45.7%). Drivers (32.3%) and pedestrians (28%) were the most common victims, and in both groups the leading cause of death was head injuries. Their distribution of injuries is similar, with more frequent injuries to the spine, pelvis and lower extremities of pedestrians. Conclusion: Victims are more frequently men, and out of 60 victim drivers 58 were male! Is it because of the higher incidence of men in the group of drivers and also their behavior in traffic? Number of victim drivers probably was something higher, but unfortunately, in some cases the prosecution is not seeking for the autopsy. Of the total number of victim drivers, 41.7% belonged to the third decade of life. The most common cause of death was head injury. The two most vulnerable groups are drivers and pedestrians, with dominant head and chest injuries. Alcohol abuse is a significant part of the problem. Results of this study generally do not deviate from the data found in the world literature.