Human Risk Factors for Severity of Injuries in Urban and Suburban Traffic Accidents in Southern Iran: An Insight from Police Data

Background: Globally, transport injuries persist as the leading preventable cause of adolescent harm. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the role of human factors in causing traffic accidents in urban and suburban areas of Jahrom, Fars province, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study used the census data of 598 accidents and incidents on urban and suburban roads recorded in the accident registration forms (KAM) of the Police Information and Communication Technology (ICT- FAVA) system in Jahrom in 2020. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. Simultaneously, population-attributable risks for violations of drivers involved in accidents on urban and suburban roads were determined. Results: The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified sudden diversion (OR = 11.02, 95% CI: 3.79 - 32.00), inattention to the front (OR = 6.68, 95% CI: 3.27 - 13.61), non-observance of the right of priority (OR = 6.25, 95% CI: 2.80 - 13.98), and inability to control the vehicle (OR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.81 - 8.90) as risk factors for death or injury in urban roads. Meanwhile, death or injury on suburban roads was associated with failure to yield to the right of way (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.08 - 4.67), inattention to the front (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.08 - 3.51), and inability to control the vehicle (OR = 41.86, 95% CI: 1.001 - 4.63). Among humans factors of accidents on urban and suburban roads, inattention to the front (78.84% vs. 37.73%) and failure to yield to the right of way (62.75% vs. 32.31%) had the greatest population-attributable fraction risk factors of death or injury. Conclusions: Inattention to the front and non-observance of the right of way by drivers were the first and second ranks in accidents leading to injury and death. It is suggested that the relevant laws and legislations be intensified and enforced more seriously.