Trends in fatal motorcycle injuries in the Americas, 1998–2010

Abstract

Injuries, disabilities and deaths among motorcyclists have been rising worldwide but what is happening in the American Continent is not completely known. Deaths from motorcycle crashes of the Pan American Health Organization database (PAHO/WHO, 1998-2010) were included in an ecologic multi-national study to quantify the temporal trends and to estimate the association between motorcycle riders' deaths and selected socio-economic indicators. Mortality rates increased in all sub-regions. The highest increase was reported in the countries of the Andean sub-region (Ecuador, 78.3%) and Mesoamerica (Costa Rica, 60.0%). Poorer countries fared worse in terms of motorcycle mortality relative to richer countries, as did more unequal ones. Recent economic changes, rapid increment of motorisation rates, affordability of motorcycles over public transportation, lack of adequate public transportation policies and other insufficient measures aimed at improving safety can explain these trends.

Expected years of life lost through road traffic injuries in Mexico

“…A simultaneous increase in fatal motorcycle injuries has been documented [6]. In addition, also in Mexico, high mortality rates secondary to intentional injuries (i.e.…”

“…An increase in the related burden has been observed worldwide and pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeled motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable populations that contribute to the observed mortality [2,3]. In Mexico, the overall RTI mortality has decreased since 2009; however, an increase in fatal motorcycle mortality has been observed and RTIs are still a main cause of death [4–6]. …”

Motorcyclists’ Mortality Pattern in Colombia from 2000 to 2013: A Longitudinal Study

“…Among them, the following factors has been observed: most of motorcyclist do not respect red lights; very often they ride on sidewalks and on pedestrian walkways; they make zigzag driving movements in and out of cars and lanes; they do not wear motorcycle helmet, or if they do, they do not wear it correctly or do not wear the type of helmet that provides the best safety conditions [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59]. Additionally, few of them use reflective vests even during the hours that it is mandatory; the backseat riders do not use personal protection gear [6]; very often motorcyclists ride at excessive speed, and they do not stay in before the lane when they stop at red lights [27,32,39,53,[60][61][62][63].…”

“…The study conducted by Rodrigues et al [6] shows that the motorcyclists' fatal injury pattern increased on the entire continent from 1998 to 2010, especially for the Andean subregion countries. The study also reported that the increasing of the mortality-rate might be a result of recent economic changes, a rapid increase in motorization rates, and a lack of public transportation policies oriented to the need of discouraging the use of private vehicles [6,7].…”

“…The study conducted by Rodrigues et al [6] shows that the motorcyclists' fatal injury pattern increased on the entire continent from 1998 to 2010, especially for the Andean subregion countries. The study also reported that the increasing of the mortality-rate might be a result of recent economic changes, a rapid increase in motorization rates, and a lack of public transportation policies oriented to the need of discouraging the use of private vehicles [6,7]. In addition, factors such as the growth in motorcycle sales, higher cost of fuel for regular 4-wheels vehicles, and the generalized idea-along with the misleading conception that motorcycles are more environmental friendly (among others) have also been related to this increasing phenomenon [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”