Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in North Goa District, Goa, India, 2017-2020: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Accident Database of Traffic Authority of Goa

Background: India ranks first among fatal road traffic accidents (RTAs) and accounts for one-tenth of global RTAs. North Goa district in Goa reported a higher burden of fatal RTAs than the national average. Objectives: To estimate the burden of fatal RTAs and describe them by human, vehicle, and environmental characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of four-years (2017–2020) data obtained from the Traffic Authority of Goa was conducted, and the characteristics were classified using the Haddon’s Matrix. The mortality rate and case fatality ratio (CFR) were calculated. Results: Overall, 6412 RTAs (487 deaths) were reported in North Goa, with an average mortality rate of 17.7, decreasing from 25.7 (2017) to 15.4 (2020), highest in Pernem subdistrict (23.8). The average mortality rate across four years was higher among individuals aged 25–34 years (22.6) and males (32.5). The overall CFR was 76, with an increase from 76 (2017) to 82 (2020). The highest average CFR was in Pernem subdistrict (150) and on state highways (80). A higher CFR was noted during peak tourism months (82) than during rainy months (63). The highest CFR was found on Sundays (89) and during midnight to early morning hours (87). Among fatalities, 60% were riders, 60% had two-wheeler as the impacting vehicle, 90% involved overspeeding, 30% involved a head-on collision, 50% wore helmet (two-wheelers), and 70% wore seat belts (four-wheelers). Conclusion: Lower mortality but higher case fatality was reported in North Goa in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Various precrash and crash factors influencing fatality among RTAs were identified, which needs evaluation to mitigate fatal RTAs in the district.