CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS ACIDENTES DE TRÂNSITO NO MUNICÍPIO DE IMPERATRIZ-MA, NO ANO DE 2024

Traffic accidents represent a significant challenge to public health, as they result in millions of deaths worldwide and increase costs due to sequelae and hospital admissions. In this context, it is essential to identify the patterns of these accidents as well as the victims’ profiles. This study aimed to characterize the traffic accidents attended by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) in the municipality of Imperatriz, Maranhão, in 2024. This is a descriptive, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, using secondary data obtained from PreHospital Care Forms. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 software through simple descriptive statistics. The results showed a total of 1,829 traffic accident victims recorded in 2024, with the highest incidence in December (9.5%) and a total of 22 deaths. Most incidents were attended by the Basic Life Support team (91.6%), during the afternoon (31.7%), especially on Saturdays (16.8%). Collisions between motorcycles and automobiles were the most frequent type of accident (38.3%). Regarding the victims’ profile, there was a predominance of males (67.4%) and individuals aged between 30 and 59 years (47.8%). It is concluded that the findings reinforce the need for effective preventive measures, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and highlight the importance of local studies as a tool to support the development of public policies aimed at road safety.