Road traffic injuries and risk factors

Abstract

This study determines the characteristics of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) among Qatari drivers and examines the human behavioural and environmental risk factors associated in occurrence of RTIs. This cross sectional survey was conducted in the primary health care centers during the period of February – July 2009. A random sample of 1800 Qatari drivers was approached and 1406 drivers responded and agreed to participate in this study (78.1%). Face to face interview was conducted by well trained research assistants based on a questionnaire. The study revealed that of the studied Qatari drivers (1406), 14.5% of them were injured. Young drivers in the age group (25 – 34) years were more involved in RTIs (35.8%). The RTIs occurred more among male drivers than females with the ratio 1.7:1 (p<0.001). Of the injured drivers, 63.7% were involved with traffic violations especially with exceeding speed limit (25.9%) and parking violation (18.1%). Qatari drivers were more injured from overturn skid crashes (20.6%) and hitting fixed objects (14.7%). Head injuries were reported more from light vehicle crashes (33.3%) and neck injuries from Pickup and SUVs crashes (44.7%). Severe injuries were reported among Qatari drivers who had heavy vehicle crashes (43.5%). The study findings revealed the high risk of RTIs was among young male Qatari drivers in the age group 25-34 years. It showed that human behavioural factors represent one of the main causes of RTIs such as excessive speed and using seatbelt.