[The analysis of road accident victims aging between 0-18 in the selection material of the our Forensic Department, Medical University of Białystok between 1997-2006].

INTRODUCTION

The authors carried out the analysis of autopsy reports of road accident victims, aging between 0-18, exposed to the post mortal studies made in the above mentioned department between 1997-2006.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The number of victims, aging between 0-18 amounts to 2.97% of all autopsies carried out in this period. Among the analysed 84 victims were male, while 41 female. The victims have been divided into age groups: 0-6, 7-10, 11-15 and 16-18. The largest number appeared in the age range 15-18 (78; 47 males and 31 females), the smallest number in the age range 0-6 (15; 10 males and 5 females) and the age range 7-10 (15; 12 males and 3 females). In the age groups 0-6 and 7-10 pedestrians prevail as victims, while 11-15 car passengers are in majority and the same percentage refers to cyclists. Group 16-18 is predominantly dominated by private car drivers and their passengers.

RESULTS

In all age groups the direct causes of death were mainly head injuries, the most frequent among pedestrians, cyclists, two wheeled engine vehicle passengers, drivers and private car passengers as well as other victims of not exactly defined road accidents. The most alarming is the high percentage of road users under the influence of alcohol in the range 16-18 amounting to 21.8 % (27.7% of males and 12.9% of females respectively).