Prevalence of fatality and associated factors of road traffic accidents among victims reported to Burayu town police stations, between 2010 and 2015, Ethiopia

Background Fatalities of road traffic accidents have become a huge global public health and development problem killing nearly 1.3 million people and disabling between 20–50 million people annually; and lost 518 billion US $ globally. Of these, 85% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia road traffic accident is considered as manmade disaster. Since fatalities of road traffic accident is highly prevalent in Burayu town but no research was ever under taken; this research is necessary to identify fatalities and associated factors of road traffic accidents. Objective The aim of this study was therefore to assess the magnitude of fatality and associated factors of road traffic accidents in Burayu Town, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using relevant police reports obtained from three police stations found in Burayu town. The study included reports from July 2010 to June 2015 and the study period was from June 1st to 15th, 2016. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. Bivaraite and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with fatalities of road traffic accidents. Results From July 2010 to June 2015, 533 road traffic accidents were registered in Burayu town, though the outcomes of 18 accidents were not recorded. About 462 individuals were affected by these accidents. Among these accidents, 117 (25%) resulted in death, 345 (75%) caused injuries. About 12.4 million birr resource was damaged. Fire following accidents [AOR 6.1, 95% CI; 1.94–19.4, failure to give priority for other vehicle 2.65 times more likely to cause fatality of road traffic accidents with [AOR 2.65, 1.41, 5] and driving without using seatbelt [AOR 2.3, 95% CI; 1.4.–4.7], were the most determinants of fatalities of road traffic accidents in Burayu town. Conclusions Fatalities of traffic accidents were steadily increased in the studies of five fiscal years. Ensuring fire sting usher for all vehicles as well one car fire fighter as the town, giving priority for other vehicle as recommended by law, ensuring drivers using seatbelt and availing first aid service immediately after the accident occurred appear to be the most critical parts of necessary interventions.