Traffic accidents are cause for concern for health authorities and for society as a whole. According to the World Health Organization, this problem has positioned itself as the eighth cause of death on a planetary level, with more than a million people dying on the road each year.
The figures for traffic accidents are very alarming. The WHO recorded 3,500 daily deaths in developed countries last year, but the considerable number of injuries should not be forgotten: 100,000 people every day suffer injuries in their vehicles.
Injuries derived from road collisions vary greatly in incidence and severity, but some of them are very frequent and must be reviewed and controlled by specialists, even weeks after the accident.
Traumas in traffic accidents
Injuries resulting from collisions on the roads have become the biggest problem in road safety, according to a study by the Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
One of the most serious injuries derived from accidents is the so-called traumatic disease, which is the leading cause of death in the young population worldwide. Traumatisms caused by accidents must be attended to immediately by health personnel and their evolution must be controlled. Often, the traumas do not present external wounds, but deep, and can manifest over time.
Fractures in accidents
In general, the head and extremities bear the brunt of injuries involving fractures. Blows against the dashboard and windshield cause skull and facial fractures. On the face, scratches, abrasions and other minor injuries also often occur.
Fractures may require surgical intervention and often take weeks or even months to fully heal. In the case of broken bones in the arms and legs, they are also accompanied by rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions.
Injuries to the trunk and abdomen
The spine is one of the areas most affected by traffic accidents. Among the most common injuries is a cervical sprain, which requires the use of a neck brace. Other more serious injuries can cause permanent disabilities by damaging the spinal cord.
In the case of the thorax and abdomen, the lesions are aggravated if they affect the viscera and vital organs. These areas must be monitored after an accident due to the so-called closed thoracic injuries, which often go undetected and can cause death. According to the DGT, this type of damage is reduced in number and severity thanks to the use of seat belts.