Title: THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ACCIDENTS TO MOTORCYCLES
Abstract: Within the group of road users covering cyclists, motor cyclists and moped riders are the greatest accident risk. The probability of having a fatal accident is six times higher and that of being injured five times higher than with motor car drivers. In 1974, 61 per cent of all riders of cycles who were killed or injured were 15 to 21 years old and for mopeds 46.5 per cent and motorcycles 72 per cent. In a survey of 124 patients between 1972 and 1974, an attempt was made to investigate certain aspects such as data on the accident vehicle, the lead-up to the accident, accident location and driving experience of the accident victim. The study showed that heavy machines tended to be used more for leisure purposes whilst the smaller ones served more for every day use. Most accidents occur in urban areas, in fact 46 per cent, secondary roads follow with 31 per cent, federal main roads 20 per cent and motorways 3 per cent. Accidents occur most frequently in June and July at 23 per cent and September and October at 22 per cent. Accidents involving experienced riders predominate. The main causes of accidents were collision with another vehicle or striking or crashing into a static obstruction mainly because of driving too fast. Of 124 riders, 59 per cent wore no safety helmet and 70 per cent no protective clothing. Helmet wearers suffered head injuries in 45 per cent of cases, those not wearing them 60 per cent. Severe injuries to the extremities were reduced by protective clothing from 52.9 per cent to 28.1 per cent. The investigation illustrates how dangerous it is not to use protective measures. It is hence requested that the requirements for wearing protective helmets are extended to riders of mopeds and motorized bicycles. In addition a commission should be set up to study protective measures and types of protection and to propagate the use of these. (TRRL)
Publication Year: 1978
Publication Date: 1978-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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