Differential patterns, trends and hotspots of road traffic injuries on different road networks in Vellore district, southern India. Issue 3 (16th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohan, Venkata Raghava; Sarkar, Rajiv; Abraham, Vinod Joseph; Balraj, Vinohar; Naumova, Elena N
• Is Part Of: Tropical medicine & international health. Volume 20:Issue 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2014-12-16
• Subjects: Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 616.988
• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="tmi12436-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="tmi12436-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To describe spatial and temporal profiles of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) on different road networks in Vellore district of southern India.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12436-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Using the information in the police maintained First Information Reports (FIRs), daily time series of RTI counts were created and temporal characteristics were analysed with respect to the vehicle, road types and time of the day for the period January 2005 to May 2007. Daily incidence and trend of RTIs were estimated using a Poisson regression analysis.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12436-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Of the reported 3262 RTIs, 52% had occurred on the National Highway (NH). The overall RTI rate on the NH was 8.8/100 000 vehicles per day with significantly higher pedestrian involvement. The mean numbers of RTIs were significantly higher on weekends. Thirteen percentage of all RTIs were associated with fatalities. Hotspots are major town junctions, and RTI rates differ over different stretches of the NH.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12436-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>In India, FIRs form a valuable source of RTI information. Information on different vehicle profile, RTI patterns, and their spatial and temporal trends can be used by administrators to devise effective strategies for RTI prevention by concentrating on the high‐risk areas, thereby optimising the use of available personnel and resources.</p> </sec> </abstract>