Original Articles
Vol. 13 (2018)
https://doi.org/10.3269/1970-5492.2018.13.1

IDENTIFICATION OF DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THROUGH SKELETAL INJURY PATTERN

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Published: January 12 2026
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Authors

Gian Luca Marella
glmarella@gmail.com
Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, Italy.
Matteo Solinas
Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy, Italy.
Saverio Potenza
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy., Italy.
Filippo Milano
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy., Italy.
Stefano Manciocchi
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy., Italy.
Emilio Perfetti
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy., Italy.
Francesco Raschellà
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, Italy.
Bartolo Caggiano
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, Italy.
Silvestro Mauriello
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, Italy.
Mauro Liciani
Data Scientist Consultant, Italy.
This paper is a retrospective study examining 328 cadavers deceased from traffic accidents (252 drivers and 76 front seat passengers). Specifically, the skeletal injuries of the cranial, spine, chest, upper and lower limbs were examined. The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether it is possible to identify, through the skeletal injury patterns, who was driving at the time of the traffic accident. A statistical analysis was used to detect injuries that could differentiate between driver and front passenger. Drivers more frequently reported chest injuries, especially sternal injuries, due to the collision with the steering wheel. On the other hand, front passengers more frequently reported skull and spinal injuries. Furthermore, a greater incidence of pelvis fractures in front passengers was observed compared to drivers. The chest injury pattern resulted to be the most effective for distinguishing the driver from the front passenger.

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How to Cite



IDENTIFICATION OF DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THROUGH SKELETAL INJURY PATTERN. (2026). EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal, 13. https://doi.org/10.3269/1970-5492.2018.13.1
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