Unregulated and unsafe: The impact of motorcycle trauma on Queensland children

Abstract

These data emphasise the need for children to use full protective equipment, especially helmets. Children are not currently protected by legislation mandating safety standards. Regulating rider age and safety standards (protective equipment, training and vehicle maintenance) may reduce the rate and severity of injury.

Children and motorcycles: a systematic review of risk factors and interventions

“…It has been suggested that children are likely to have inherent physical and psychological characteristics that may limit their ability to safely control motorcycles 5 7 16 24. This includes insufficient motor coordination;24 small stature and/or low weight5 and cognitive immaturity 5 16.…”

“…This includes insufficient motor coordination;24 small stature and/or low weight5 and cognitive immaturity 5 16. Observations about the role of rider error and loss of control crashes16 and children presenting with multiple episodes of injury from off-road motorcycling25 seemingly support these hypotheses, but there is no evidence linking developmental stage and/or anthropometry with crash or injury risk.…”

“…Non-standards-compliant helmets have reduced effectiveness in preventing head injury8 and oversized helmets may not only reduce protection but also negatively affect helmet retention 27. Use of oversized, inappropriate and poorly fitted helmets have also been reported in studies of children injured using off-road motorcycles in Australia 16 17. Expert help with helmet fitting prior to purchase was associated with decreased risk of reporting concussion symptoms among motor cross riders 33…”

“…Licensing is often suggested as a means to regulate minimum age for operating off-road motorcycles and to ensure adequate training prior to use 6 7 15 16. In Minnesota, children <16 years are required to have a rider education certificate, and <12 years must only ride under adult supervision 25.…”

“…While a number of authors call for interventions to increase use of protective clothing among children using off-road motorcycles,16 49 there is little discussion about intervention components likely to increase use of among children. An exception is Haworth et al, 5 who call for riders to be more educated about the benefit of protective clothing.…”