Traffic accidents with fatally injured drivers in Southwestern Croatia.

Traffic accidents represent a significant cause of death in Croatia, therefore being an important social and public-health problem. The aim of our study was to analyze the forensic characteristics of traffic accidents with fatally injured drivers in Southwestern Croatia. Study population included 277 fatally injured drivers, in a 10 year period (between 1994 and 2004). As for the gender, 92% were male and only 8% were female. The median age was 35 (13-86), with 53% of them aging 20-39, therefore being a part of the working population. Most of the accidents happened during the summertime (44%) and weekend (57%). Half of the fatally injured drivers (139) were sober (0.00 g/kg) and only 10% (28) had blood alcohol level of 0.00-0.5g/kg. Our results suggest that, as opposed to the current public opinion in Croatia, alcohol might not be the only crucial factor contributing to the drivers' mortality in Croatia. As for the prevention measures, other factors (drug intoxication, fatigue...) should also be taken into consideration and further studied.