The epidemiology of Road Traffic Accident ( RTA )

Background: This research discusses the epidemiology of road traffic accidents which occurred in Ghana between 2001 and 2011. The purpose of this research is to provide a snapshot of road traffic accident cases which would inform the authorities on the need to ensure sanity on the roads. Methods: A descriptive and crosssectional study was adopted to explore the incidence of RTA in Ghana from 2001 to 2011. Secondary data were obtained from the Building and Road Research Institute. Results: A total of 125,681 RTA involving 150,949 victims analysed. There were 96,888 (64.19%) passengers and 40975 (35.81%) pedestrian. There were 21,283 (14.14%) fatality cases and 129,666 (87.95%) suffered various degrees of injuries. The percentage share of lives lost is 38.50% (8194) while pedestrians were 61.50% (13,089). The findings also show that only three types of vehicles such as car (46.43%), bus (15.48%) and heavy duty vehicle (13.18%) contribute 75.09% of RTA. The evidence shows that males have 1.5 times higher risk of RTA than females. Findings produced a satisfactory proof that the ages between 1 and 40 contribute 65.16% of RTA. It was also shown that the second half of the year produces a higher accident rate and at a peak in December. Conclusion: RTA is a treat to lives and properties and every effort must be made to salvage the situation. [Thompson Amo, Serik Meirmanov. The epidemiology of Road Traffic Accident (RTA) in Ghana from 20012011. Life Sci J 2014;11(9):269-275]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 37