OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze patients' profile; the means of transportation that caused the accident; whether the rules of the Brazilian Traffic Code were respected or not; and the support network and actions of social services. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 100% of the patients admitted in this institution between August 15th and November 19th, 2004, who were victims of car accidents. We interviewed 37 motorcycle riders, 26 pedestrians, 15 drivers and 6 passengers, totaling 84 patients. Forms with open and closed questions, adopting both a quantitative and a qualitative approach were used. RESULTS: The greatest demand was from motorcyclists, of whom 83% were male, youngsters, who had graduated in high school, with a monthly income equivalent to two minimum wages. Sixty-two percent lived in São Paulo and only 36.5% had a formal job. Most fractures were on the lower limbs (54%). All the patients required further care after hospital discharge and 98% received support from their families. CONCLUSION: The high number of accidents indicates that traffic violence may be considered a public health problem and there is much to be investigated for the formulation of public policies in this field.
Traffic accident; Characterization and analysis of the victims; Social Service interventions
