This study assesses the utility of available data on deaths due to road traffic crashes for road crash surveillance in a major metropolitan city in India. Department of Police database records were searched for 2002. Data from a leading newspaper was also collected for the same information using a standardized format. Findings showed that a total of 3,039 cases of road traffic crashes were recorded in the database for 2002, including 400 cases in which a total of 411 people were killed. The newspaper reported 316 cases of road traffic crashes, resulting in 353 deaths. The majority of those who died were males and 70% were between 16 and 49 years of age. Pedestrians and riders of two-wheelers were the most vulnerable. Collision with a vehicle caused 86.4% of all crashes. Sixty percent of the victims died before reaching a hospital. This data provides insights into the magnitude and nature of deaths resulting from crashes in Hyderabad. However, the available data has limitations and gaps, suggesting the need for strengthening the road traffic crash surveillance system in order to have reliable, accurate and adequate data. This data could form the basis for planning intervention strategies to reduce fatalities due to road crashes.
Abstract