Aspiration and obstructed airways as the cause of death in 158 consecutive traffic fatalities.

In order to assess the number of road deaths caused by aspiration, 158 consecutive traffic fatalities were retrospectively analyzed. Approximately 20% of the victims dead at the scene or within 24 hours after the accident had any significant amount of blood in the airways. However, this aspiration did not alter the final fatal outcome, as all victims except one had virtually unsurvivable injuries. We conclude that aspiration is very rare as the cause of death among traffic fatalities.