ABSTRACT
Vehicular crashes are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. They account for nearly 1.3 million deaths yearly, with 20 to 50 million people suffering from non-fatal injuries. Fatalities due to vehicular crashes are predominant in countries with low- and middle-socioeconomic status, with the highest rate reported in the African region. Also, the majority of the deaths involve young adults with significant male preponderance. Factors responsible for vehicular crashes include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or any psychoactive substance, non-use of a helmet, seat belt or child restraint, distracted driving, unsafe road infrastructure, unsafe vehicle and inadequate road safety laws or their non-stringent application. Inadequate post-crash care is also responsible for increasing fatalities from vehicular crashes. Vehicular-related deaths are attributed to a varied spectrum of injuries involving the various body parts. The pattern and the mechanism of injuries sustained in vehicular crashes differ in pedestrians, occupants of vehicles and motorcyclists.
