FACTORS CONTRIBUTING IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN SUDAN

Aim: Is to determine factors contributing in road traffic accidents in Sudan.

Methods: The study was conducted in Khartoum land port. Data was collected by questionnaire distributed among 213 drivers. Participation was entirely voluntary. Information's gathered have included frequency and causes of accidents; road conditions; driving difficulties and driver's suggestions to avoid accidents.

Results: The results showed that (>43%) of the drivers had been involved in road car accidents; (60.6%) were due to human factors; (45.5%) due to road conditions; (5.6%) caused by animals and (1.4%) due to inadequate vehicles. More than twenty six percent of the drivers complained of glare; (15%) of tearing; (>12%) of blurring vision and (>10%) of sleeping during driving. The most common environmental factors which affect visibility during driving as reported by drivers were dust (>90%), and rain (54%).

Conclusions and Recommendations: Each year there is increase in the car accident rate so many people were killed, others were injured. The car accidents have a serious psychological and economical impact on the community. The most common factors contributing in road traffic accidents are human (age and experience) and environmental (dust and rain) factors. The health care system in Sudan is not well prepared to address problems related to occupational and environmental factors.