Motorized Two-Wheeler Accidents; A leading Cause of Death and Disabilities: Autopsy Based Study in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: More than half of all road traffic deaths in the world occur among vulnerable road users including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists whereas; motorcyclists contribute almost one fourth of the death toll of road traffic crashes. Implementation of suitable strategies to address the issues of road traffic crashes is much difficult without information, absolute value of the problem, patterns and risks of injuries & death. Objective: To determine the different patterns, severity and distribution of injuries & their frequency in motorized two wheelers accidents. Study Design: Cross-sectional Study. Settings: Study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine at Nishtar Medical University, Multan Pakistan. Duration: One year from January 01, 2018 to December 31, 2018. Methodology: Total 167 cases died of road traffic accidents brought for autopsy and of those, 104 cases were reported to be died of motorcycle accidents involving both riders & pillion riders. The data of victim’s age, gender, site and pattern of injuries were obtained through detailed examination of the hospital record, autopsy reports and police inquest. The injuries over head, neck & thoraco abdominal region were given due consideration being dangerous to life. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: Of the total 104 cases died in motorcycle accidents; 99 (95.20%) were males & 5 (4.80%) female. Riders died in 81 (77.89%) cases & pillion riders 23 (22.11%). The age group between 21-40 years involved 67 (64.42%) cases; maximum injuries were observed on Head/Face affecting 84 (80.8%) cases while on thorax 26 (25%) cases, Neck/Spine 12 (11.5%), pelvis 14 (13.4%) and abdominal area sustained injuries in 8 (7.6%) cases. As regard pattern of injuries; abrasions were found in 48 (31%) cases, lacerations 38 (24%), contusions 14 (9%) while fractures were observed in 56 (36%) cases. Among fatal injuries, 74 (71%) were found on Head, 7 (6.7%) over cervical spines, 3 (2.8%) on limbs whereas fatal injuries on thorax & Abdomino-pelvic areas were found 6 (9.6%) in each category. Of the total 81 riders, fractures of skull were observed in 59 (73%) cases and of 23 pillion riders, 16 (69.5%) got fracture of skull. Conclusion: Male riders of motorcycles belonging to age range 21-40 years were more prone to fatal injuries i.e., fractures of skull, neck, spine & Abdomino-thoracic injuries. Abrasions, contusions and lacerations were the most common type of injuries. Helmet legislation needs to be supported by strong enforcement and social marketing campaigns. Reducing the incidence by strict implementation of traffic rules and safety education via electronic & print media is need of the day.

Frequency of Radial Nerve Palsy in Patients with Closed Traumatic Humeral Shaft Fracture in High Energy Trauma Cases

“…11 This study was formulated to specify the incidence of radial nerve entrapment or damage in high-energy road traffic accidents resulting in the closed humeral shaft fracture, which is very common in our part of the world,especially where, due to various social circumstances, the percentage of motorcycle riders are higher than the others. 12…”

An Audit of Injuries Sustained in Two–Wheeler Accidents in the Metropolitan City of Karachi, Pakistan

“…3 Over half of all road traffic fatalities in the world are among pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists whereas; one fourth of the casualties involve only motorcyclists. 4,5 The cause for this is the lack of full-body safety measures or protection mechanisms for drivers and passengers. 6 Motorcycle crashes account for 54 percent of all deaths in Singapore caused by any motor vehicle accident.…”

“…Unsafe traffic conditions, poor road infrastructure, and encroachments are some of the factors that enhance the likelihood of road accidents. 4 According to 2018 statistics, motorcycles constitute nearly 74% of the total registered vehicles in Pakistan thus motorcycle accidents have become a serious safety concern in Pakistan. 9 Motorcycle crashes have surged as a result of the rapid increase in number of motorbikes combined with inadequate road safety conditions.…”

“…A one year autopsy based study conducted in southern Punjab reported that majority of the victims of road traffic accidents were male motorcycle riders between the ages of 21 and 40 were more likely to suffer fatal injuries such as skull, neck, and spine fractures, as well as abdominal-thoracic injuries. 4 Karachi is one of the most thickly populated city traffic is comprising mostly of two wheeler and in addition to that rickshaws, minibuses, donkey carts any transport vehicle and pedestrians, they use same road. 4 Two wheeler accidents contributes major part of road traffic accidents and considered to be a problem of developing countries majority of death are due to the two wheelers as the low income people mostly used motor bike for their mode of transport.…”

“…4 Karachi is one of the most thickly populated city traffic is comprising mostly of two wheeler and in addition to that rickshaws, minibuses, donkey carts any transport vehicle and pedestrians, they use same road. 4 Two wheeler accidents contributes major part of road traffic accidents and considered to be a problem of developing countries majority of death are due to the two wheelers as the low income people mostly used motor bike for their mode of transport. 10 According to a study motorcyclists are involved in over 45 percent of all traffic crashes in Pakistan's largest metropolis (Karachi).…”