Factors contributing to fatal road traffic accidents in the South of Kerman during the period from 2013 to 2017, Iran

Background: Several factors influence the growth in the number of road traffic accidents and the resulting death rate. Road accident scenarios can be considered in different seasons and time intervals. In the present study, the role of factors effective in the growth of the number of accidents was explored in the south of Kerman during the period from 2013 to 2017. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected from the Traffic Police Unit’s database in the south of Kerman during the period from 2013 to 2017. The data obtained included the time of the day, roads of accidents, numbers of fatal accidents, and years of occurrence. The data were analysed using the logistic regression. Results: After examining the role of various factors in fatal road traffic accidents, it became clear that the chances of death were higher in road accidents on main roads (OR = 1.30; 95%CI=1.02-1.70; p=0.037) than on rural roads. In terms of the seasons of occurrence, death rates were higher in autumn (OR= 1.30; 95%CI=1.02-1.80; p=0.027) than in winter. From among the effective factors, overspeed (OR= 1.90; 95%CI=1.40-2.50; p<0.001) and deviation to the left lane (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.70-2.90; p-value<0.001) were more likely to lead to death than drowsiness and inattention to the front. Conclusion: The results showed that overspeed, deviation to the left lane, as well as accidents on main roads, and in autumn resulted in an increase in the mortality rate. The severity of road accidents would probably decrease in the region by paying more attention to main roads especially in autumn and training drivers.