Preventable deaths following road traffic collisions in Botswana: A retrospective review

Road traffic collisions (RTC) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Botswana. To our knowledge no research has been conducted in Botswana to investigate preventable deaths that occur as a result of RTCs. The aim of this study is to establish the rate of preventable deaths from RTCs in the greater Gaborone area in Botswana. This was a 5-year retrospective study conducted at the forensic pathology department for the greater Gaborone area, in Botswana. Nine hundred and nine (909) forensic pathology reports were retrieved. Sixty-eight percent (68.2%) of RTC deaths were considered preventable. Head injury in isolation and in combination with other injuries accounted for 87.6% (796/909) of deaths. Haemorrhagic shock was present in 70.2% (638) of all documented injuries. Another documented injury contributing to fatal RTCs was high spinal cord injury. This injury was documented in 13.1% (119/909) of all deaths. We recommend the implementation of a comprehensive trauma system in Botswana to reduce the number of deaths from RTCs. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found a high rate of preventable deaths from road traffic collisions in the greater Gaborone area of Botswana, with head injuries and hemorrhagic shock being the main causes of death. Recommendations were made for the implementation of a comprehensive trauma system in Botswana to reduce deaths from RTCs.