Background: Deaths due to fatal head injries in road traffic accidents is commonest occrrence in day to day public life as most people use automated vehicle as a means to travel. The present study aimed to know the nature of head injuries and the patterns of skull fractures in fatal road traffic accidents in this part of India. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted in the mortuary attached to District General Hospital, Davangere during July 2005 to June 2007. Results: Deaths due to RTA were reported in 408 cases. Among 408 cases of RTA, fracture of skull was observed in 164 cases (40.1%), maximum number of skull fracture occurred between the age group of 21 – 30 years (31.1%). The males were preponderantly (81.6%) over females. It was seen that maximum number of RTA was reported between 6.00 am to 12.00 pm (38.41%). Maximum victims of skull fractures succumbed to death on the spot (23.8%) and within 6 hours (24.3%). The motorcyclists were most common victims. Linear fracture was commonest (38.9%) pattern of fracture in RTA. Conclusion: Implementation of effective road safety measures reduces these fatalities.

Keywords: Road traffic accidents; Skull fracture; Intracranial Haemorrhage.