Motorcycle accidents in Nigeria. A new group at risk

West Afr J Med. 1991 Apr-Jun;10(2):187-9.

Abstract

Multiple injuries often characterise motorcycle accidents. Head injury which is particularly common is a major cause of mortality, hence the enforcement of the law compelling all riders to wear helmets in most countries. The law collapsed in Nigeria about a decade ago. With the motorcycle becoming an important part of public transportation, infants, children and other age groups not usually associated with motorcycle accidents have become involved in the risk. A case of four month old baby with head trauma is presented to illustrate the point. The collapse of the law on helmets should be considered a temporary set back, and a new look taken at the challenges of motorcycle accidents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Accidents, Traffic / prevention & control
  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Head Protective Devices
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Motorcycles / statistics & numerical data*
  • Nigeria
  • Radiography
  • Skull Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull Fractures / etiology*