Pattern of injuries due to road traffic accidents involving motorized two wheeler vehicles in Mangalore based on autopsy reports

Introduction: Motorized two wheeler accidents have become increasingly common, especially in developing countries like India. The main focus of this study was on motorized two wheeler accidents and the pattern of injuries caused due to it. Methodology: STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of autopsy reports of Road Traffic Accidents involving motorized two wheeler vehicles. STUDY SETTING: Study was carried out in Forensic Department of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. SAMPLE SIZE: 172 autopsy reports of motorized two wheeler accidents during 2015-2016. Results: A total of 172 autopsy reports were studied, majority of the victims were males. 82.65% of the accidents took place due to over speeding and negligence. City roads and junctions were most common site of such accidents. There were a total of 630 external injuries, 56.5% of which were abrasions. Complications of head injury accounted for 77.9% of cause of death in such cases. Linear fractures were most common type of fractures seen in the skull. Conclusion: Obeying the traffic rules, riding safely by wearing helmet and avoiding over speeding and negligence and taking necessary safety precautions such as wear safety gears while using two wheelers, can help in reducing such accidents to a great extent.