Abstract: Objective To distinguish the injury characteristic changes on the drivers between the injuries of drivers and passengers in traffic accidents, and to provide scientific evidence for confirming the identity of driver in traffic accidents. Methods Data of 126 automobile traffic accident death cases in the reclamation areas of Heilongjiang province from 2006—2014 were retrospectively studied. The injury characteristics on the drivers of automobile traffic accident death cases were analyzed and the forensic identification problem in the injuries of drivers and passengers were discussed. Results Injuries were frequently observed on driver’s neck, chest and abdomen. The characteristic injuries caused by auto parts were also found, which appeared at the places of passenger’s head, face and limbs contacted with automobile. Such characteristic injuries were not found at other places. Conclusion The location and type of injury are associated with the identity of the deceased.

Key words: forensic pathology, accidents, traffic, wounds and injuries, automobile driving