Spatial distribution of road traffic crash fatalities in Karachi: Perspective from 2008-2012.

Road Traffic Crash (RTC) mortality and morbidity is one of the major public health problems in Karachi. In this study we used geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize and quantify the spatial distribution of RTC mortality and yearly trend from 2008 to 2012, for all 24 administrative subdivisions of Karachi, using Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Center's (RTIRPC) data. Cumulatively, 6040 deaths were recorded by RTIRPC, out of which we were able to map 4657 (77.1%) deaths based on location information available in the database. During the 5-year period, highest number of cumulative RTC fatalities were recorded for Kemari, Bin Qasim, and Gushan-e-Iqbal; while lowest were recorded in Malir, Orangi, Korangi Cantonment, and Karachi Cantonment. Use of GIS for studying spatial distribution of RTC would help craft better response to RTC in the city and design public policy.