FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN EASTERN TIGRAY ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Road traffic accidents are significant global public health problems, resulted in injuries and fatalities, mostly in developing countries including Ethiopia. Increasing incidences of the road accidents including fatal ones are being reported from various regions of Ethiopia since last few years. Objective: To assess the magnitude of occurrence of fatal road traffic accidents (RTAs) and to explore factors related to behaviors, attitudes towards fatal RTAs and associated factors in Eastern zone of the Tigray National Regional State. Methods: Retrospective quantitative study embedded with qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data of all road traffic accidents occurred since July 2011 to January 2016 were collected from the Traffic Police Registry of accidents. Qualitative study employed the methods/ techniques namely focus group discussions and semistructured questionnaire administered to various stakeholders Information acquired through these methods was recorded. EPI Info version 7 and SPSS version 20 software were use to enter and analyze the data, respectively. \ Results: About 33.3% of road traffic accidents were fatal. Being – employed drivers [AOR 1.89, 95% CI (1.86, 3.00) p=0.007], two-way segmented roads [AOR 1.58, 95% CI (1.03, 2.45) p=0.038], fully asphalted good surfaced roads [AOR 1.64, 95% CI (1.04, 2.58) p=0.034], 1,2,3,types of dry goods freight vehicles [AOR 2.40, 95% CI (1.06, 5.49) p=0.036], and denying priority for pedestrians [AOR 0.44, 95% CI (0.22, 0.88) p=0.019] were factors significantly associated with fatal road traffic accident. Conclusion and Recommendation: The factors found associated with the fatal road accidents, must be addressed in formulating and implementing effective measures by various concerned governmental departments, drivers, and community to improve road safety, prevent and control road traffic accidents. Technical mechanisms for controlling speed of freight and public mass transport vehicles must be strengthened. Provisions for the safety of pedestrians such as zebra crossing lanes, foot paths, must be made and maintained regularly. Key words: road traffic accident, fatal road accident, Eastern Tigray zone