An increasing trend in road accidents in Italy is outlined. Data were collected on 5387 patients injured during car accidents from May 2000-May 2001. Sixty-one patients were critically ill, 313 were severely ill and 4246 were classed as non-severe. 742 cases did not require hospital treatment. Eight victims were dead on arrival and a further eight died within an hour of arrival. Accidents were more prevalent in spring, in afternoons/early evening and on Fridays. Accident severity was greatest at night. The proportion of male patients was higher than that of females and there was an increased number of accidents among young drivers and motorcycle riders. Head injuries were more common in winter and summer than in autumn and spring. Neck injuries were more frequent in winter. Lesions to the upper limb or hand were the most frequent injuries. Summer accidents had the highest severity. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123380.
Samenvatting