Factors associated with fatal traffic accidents in Tirana, Albania: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim To assess the prevalence of fatal road trafc accidents in Tirana, Albania, and describe their determinants. Methods Tis cross-sectional study included all road trafc accidents recorded by the Trafc Police Department of Tirana district for the period 2000-2005. A structured questionnaire included information about the type of trafc accident (fatal vs non-fatal event), year of event, age and sex of the responsible party, reason of accident, location and time of event, and the type of vehicle involved. Multivariable-ad-justed binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of fatal road trafc accidents. Results Overall, there were 1578 recorded road trafc accidents in Tirana district during 2000-2005. Of these, 272 (17%) were fatal. Multi-variable-adjusted models showed that younger age (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 2.28-6.91), high speed (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.62-3.98), and especially alcohol consumption (OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 3.54-10.66) were strong and signifcant predictors of fatal accidents. Fatal accidents were more prevalent on intercity roads (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 3.11-5.82) and involved especially vans and trucks (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 2.34-7.24). Conclusion Young age, high speed, and alcohol are predictors of fatal road trafc accidents in Tirana district. Tese fndings can serve as a basis for health care professionals and policymakers to create preventive measures for trafc accidents.