Analysis of Deaths Related to Tractor Accident in Adana

Background: A tractor is a machine used in the agricultural industry for both processing products and accessing agricultural land. A large proportion of agriculture-related deaths are caused by accidents involving agricultural machinery, particularly tractors. This study examines fatal tractor accidents that occurred in the province of Adana. Aim: The aim of this study is to share the results obtained by analyzing the cases with the scientific community and to make recommendations for preventing deaths and injuries in tractor accidents. Methods: In our study, autopsy and forensic investigation reports of cases resulting in fatalities due to tractor accidents between 2015 and 2021 (a 6-year period) were retrospectively examined. Demographic data related to the cases and accident sites, characteristics of the incidents, and autopsy findings were evaluated. The collected data were loaded into SPSS 20.0 software, and percentage analysis and evaluations of the data were performed. Results: In this study, it was determined that a total of 33 fatal tractor accidents occurred over a 6-year period; 3 people lost their lives in one accident and 2 people lost their lives in another accident. Fatal traffic accidents occurred most frequently during the summer months (36.1%), followed by spring (27.8%). Twenty people (55.6%) died at the scene of the accident, 15 people (41.7%) died in the hospital, and one person (2.8%) died while being transported to the hospital by ambulance. Conclusion: Tractor accidents are a preventable cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in agricultural communities. The individuals using the tractors should receive special training and use protective equipment such as seat belts and helmets while operating the tractor to prevent fatal tractor accidents.