JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background of the study : Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) has come out as a prime health concern in India and Abroad which needs multifaceted approach to reduce it. As we all know that nearly 1.35 million people die every year globally due to RTA and every 24 second someone dies on the road. Road traffic injuries are the main cause of death among children and young adults between 5 to 29yrs. One of the most important preventive measures to reduce RTA is following Traffic rules. It’s designed to protect all those who pass on road and if it’s followed nearly 99% of accidents can be prevented. The Aim of this study was to assess the awareness and practice of traffic rules in preventing RTA. Setting and design: A Descriptive survey approach with non-experimental research design was adopted to conduct the study on patients admitted at orthopedic wards at R.L.J Hospital & R.C Methods and Material: 100 samples who fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling technique admitted at orthopedic wards of R.L.J. Hospital & R.C Kolar. The data was collected by using structured questionnaire on awareness and practice checklist. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed using Descriptive and Inferential Statistics like mean, percentage, standard deviation, co-relation and chi-square. Results: The study showed that, out of 100 samples, 46(46%) had moderate awareness regarding RTA and majority54 (54%) had average level of practice and there was positive co-relation between awareness and level of practice. Conclusion: Even though people are having adequate awareness about road traffic rules, negligence in following road traffic rules was the major cause of RTA. Hence an awareness program regarding risk of accidents, impact of accidents on individual, family and society is essential in reducing RTA.

Keywords: Road Traffic Accidents, Awareness, Traffic rules, Practice.