Analysis of desert traffic accidents: A retrospective study

Introduction: Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There is limited literature on the injuries resulting from desert off-road driving accidents. This study aims to delineate the attributes of desert MVA and associated injuries as observed in Qatar.

Methods: This is a Qatar-based retrospective descriptive multicenter study from electronic medical records (EMRs) between 2016 and 2022. Patients were evaluated based on demographic characteristics, type of injury and vehicle involved, injury locations, injury severity, treatments applied, length of hospital stay, number and outcome of surgeries, disability on discharge, and mortality.

Results: Findings reveal a rising trend in accidents from October to March, peaking between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The patients were predominantly male under 40 years of age, not adhering to personal protective measures, and accidents often involved all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Blunt trauma emerged as the primary injury type, with orthopedic injuries being the most frequent. Most patients did not undergo surgery and had an average hospital stay of 2.9 days. A 1.5% mortality rate and 6.7% disability rate were observed.

Conclusion: This study fills a critical gap in understanding desert traffic accidents in a Gulf Cooperation Council country. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns tailored to the unique challenges of desert driving.