The objective of this study was to estimate injuries attributable to personal, environmental, and vehicle-related factors among drivers involved in road accidents in the province of Udine. An analysis of data contained in the ISTAT road accident reports was made of road traffic accidents with personal damage that occurred in the province of Udine from 1991 to 1998. Main outcome measures were fractions of injuries and deaths attributable to various risk factors. From 1991 to 1998, 24261 drivers were involved in accidents: 462% were uninjured, 51.8% were non-fatally injured, and 2.0% died within 7 days. The greatest proportion of injuries (10.59%) was attributed to being on a two-wheeled vehicle. On the other hand, with respect to death the highest proportion of cases was attributed to driving during the night (29.19%) and to non-using seat belts and helmets (26.30%). This study provides information useful for establishing priorities for the prevention of road accidents and injuries. (Author/publisher)
Abstract