Epidemiological assessment of road traffic accidents among the naval population

Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. The problem is more critical and increasing in developing countries due to rapid motorization and poor conditions of the road. In Indian Navy too, there is serious concern regarding injuries and deaths due to RTAs. Therefore, the present study was conducted to study and document the factors involved in RTAs as well as elucidate major modifiable risk factors for RTA among the naval population. Materials and Methods: Medicolegal case records pertaining to RTAs in the naval population for the period January 1, 2016-December 31, 2017, from all Naval Hospitals and major base units of Indian Navy were obtained and analyzed. Results: During the study, a total of 1608 cases of RTA were documented. More than half of the cases (n = 841; 52%) involved personnel between the ages of 21 and 30 years. Maximum number of cases (n = 179; 11.1%) occurred in July and in terms of hours of the day, maximum cases were documented as occurring between 1200 and 1600 h (n = 394; 24.5%), whereas another 24.4% of cases happened in the night starting at 2000 h. Age <40 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-3.38), history of consumption of alcohol (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.27-2.47), and involvement of another vehicle in the accident (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16-2.08) were found to be independent risk factors for grievous injury. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality of trained and professional workforce due to RTAs is a major cause of concern for the Indian Navy. The present study highlights the factors associated with RTAs among the naval population and emphasizes the need to take decisive steps to reduce RTA's and prevent the loss of precious lives of naval personnel.