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Introduction : Road traffic injuries are the second leading cause of death in Yalgado Ouedraogo university hospital in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Despite this significant burden, social determinants of these deaths remain unknown, as few studies have been conducted in Africa to document this topic. This article presents a pilot study of a social autopsy tool adapted to study road traffic injuries in an urban African area in order to understand the social determinants involved.Methods : This pilot study was conducted in Ouagadougou from 7 February to 12 April 2015. Fatal and “near miss” cases were included. The data collection tool was created by developing the “three delays” model concept. The data collection method was organized at the emergency department by trained staff, then by telephone and possibly at the victim’s home.Results : 497 road traffic injury victims were admitted to the emergency department : six died in hospital, two died outside hospital and 27 near misses were identified. Eight interviews were conducted. A strong relationship with emergency staff and an association working in the hospital enhanced the feasibility of the study. This study shows the importance of involving all parties to conduct this type of investigation. Nonetheless, inclusion criteria should be enlarged to victims with disabilities.Discussion : This pilot study shows that it is possible to create an effective framework to obtain data concerning the social determinants of health for road traffic injuries, and that actions in favour of equity must be initiated.