Factors related to traffic accidents in Binh Dinh province, Vietnam

Abstract

Reduction of traffic accidents will have a significant impact on the well being of the society as well as a dramatic reduction on the financial burden for both the population and health budget. A cross-sectional study of 471 traffic accident victims from 14 hospitals in Binh Dinh Province was conducted for a period of 15 days to provide information related to accidents. Data was collected by direct interviews of accident victims. The results showed that traffic accident victims who were mainly men accounted for 73.0% versus 27.0% of female. Victims between the ages of 16-30 years were found with 48.2% for both male and female (78.4% and 21.6%, respectively). For all ages, farmers accounted for 41.0% of victims, followed by 32.5% of students. Other findings from the traffic accident study about victims are as follows: 26.7% did not have a driving license; 29.1% had consumed alcohol; motorcyclists accounted for the highest proportion of traffic accident victims (89.0%) with 27.0% identified as not wearing a protective helmet; 27% did not wear helmet; the highest rate of accidents was found on the highway (46.5%); the average time to transport victims to hospitals was 38.6 minutes; the most common transport means to bring victims to hospital was the motorcycle, followed by car (62.0 % and 26.9 % respectively); and first aid  was not given to 76.2% of victims before being transferred to the hospital. These study findings serve as a basis for proposing solutions to reduce prevalence of traffic accidents, injury and death, which will result in a big social impact.