Autopsy Profile of Road Traffic Accident Fatalities and Pattern of Injuries Sustained at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana: A One-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) constitute a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, where rapid urbanization, vehicular growth, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations contribute to high mortality. Autopsy-based studies provide crucial insights into injury patterns, mechanisms of death, and preventable factors associated with RTA fatalities. Aim: To analyze the epidemiological profile, injury patterns, and causes of death among road traffic accident victims subjected to medico-legal autopsy at a tertiary care hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 70 medico-legal autopsies of road traffic accident fatalities at Al-Falah Medical College, Haryana, from 10 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Demographic variables, accident characteristics, injury distribution, fracture patterns, intracranial hemorrhages, and causes of death were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most victims were males, predominantly in the productive age group. Two-wheeler users constituted the largest victim category. Head injury was the most frequently involved body region, with intracranial hemorrhage being the leading cause of death. Subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages, either alone or in combination, were the most common intracranial findings. Conclusion: Road traffic accident fatalities in this region predominantly affect young and middle-aged males, with head injuries playing a pivotal role in mortality. Strengthening road safety measures, strict enforcement of helmet and seat-belt laws, and improvement in trauma care facilities are imperative to reduce preventable deaths.