ROLE Of' PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN ASSIUT

Abstract

The road traffic accident has become "the first public hazard in the world", which results in one of the largest threats against human lives and safety. Although many infectious diseases have been controlled since the beginning of this century, the incidence of RTA has been increasing. It seems that RTA and modem civilization are inseparable. Road traffic accidents were the most serious health problems facing this century whether measured in dollar costs, physician contacts, premature deaths or loss of productive years oflife.

The past 25 years shows a spectacular growth in the illicit drug trade all over the world, consequently the incidence of drug-related injury has steadily risen. Dwg abuse and alcohol remains a major co-morbid factor in major trauma and are implicated as a contributing factor in marital violence, occupational injuries and traffic death.

So, it is pressing necessity to study the magnitude, pattern and f complication of traffic accidents in Assiut Governorate with detailed

discussion and evaluation of the methods used for prevention of these accidents. The present study was conducted on the victims of road traffic

accidents admitted to the Casualty Department of Assiut University

Hospital during the period between February to September,200 I.

The total number of accidents 240. Vehicle accidents were responsible for 178 accidents, while motorcycle and bicycles were responsible for 40 (16.7%) and 22 (9.2%) of the accidents respectively.