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

Filza Ali; Mushtaq Ahmed; Qurrat Ul Ain Kamran; Saba Batool; Asif Jamil Ansari; Fariha Tariq; Altaf Pervez Qasim

doi:10.29054/apmc/2021.1019

Filza Ali Demonstrator Forensic Medicine, CMH institute of Medical Sciences, (CIMS) Multan Pakistan
Mushtaq Ahmed Associate Professor & HOD, Forensic Medicine, Nishtar Medical University, Multan Pakistan
Qurrat Ul Ain Kamran Assistant Professor of Forensic Medicine, Nishtar Medical University, Multan Pakistan
Saba Batool Assistant Professor of Pharmacology, CMH institute of Medical Sciences, (CIMS) Multan Pakistan
Asif Jamil Ansari Associate Professor & HOD, Forensic Medicine, CMH institute of Medical Sciences, (CIMS) Multan Pakistan
Fariha Tariq Assistant Professor of Forensic Medicine, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan
Altaf Pervez Qasim Professor & HOD of Forensic Medicine, Abwa Medical College, Faisalabad Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2021.1019

Keywords: Two-wheeler, Fatalities, Frequency, Injury pattern, Motorbike accidents, Pillion rider

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.