Abstract: Objective To provide reference data for enacting and revising the laws and regulations of the disability expertise. Methods The epidemiological features of the disabled caused by road traffic accident in Shanghai during 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The most common injuries were in extremities(53.3%),followed by head(23.3%),spine(9.7%),thorax(5.8%),and abdomen(4.4%). The cumulative incidence rate of disability due to traffic injuries was 414.8 cases per 100 000 inhabitants,higher for men(505.7/100 000) than women(318.7/100 000). The highest incidence rate of disability was between age 35 and 59(538.2/100 000). The most disabled was bicyclist,followed by pedestrian. Conclusion The incidence rate of disability among 35～59 age group was the highest in Shanghai during 2005. It has resulted in loss of labor force with a negative effect on the economic development.

Key words: forensic medicine, accidents, traffic, wounds and injuries, assessment of disability, disability rate