Frequency ofRisk Factors Associated with Road Traffic Accidents of Motorbike in a Big City of a Developing Country

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the frequency of risk factors associated with road traffic accidents of motorbike in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the two tertiary care hospitals (Civil Hospital andJinnah Postgraduate Medical Center) of Karachi, Pakistan. All male motorbike accident victims presented to theemergency department of the selected hospital, who gave consent, were included in the study. Patients under age 15years and do not understand Urdu language were excluded. Information was collected through a pretested questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 127 accident cases from respected hospitals were included in the study. Most (76%) of the accidentcases were younger than 33 years. Approximately, 49% of the participants were riding the bikes without driving license.Nearly, 43% never used helmet during riding. Approximately, 21% were reported that they were chewing tobacco atthe time of accident. Majority (71%) of the accidents occurred on the working days. Almost 61% of the accidentsoccurredin the evening time. In 43% of the cases, speed of the motorbikes was more than 50 km/hour. Nearly, 31% ofthe victims were riding along with their friends/family members. Majority (72%) of the accidents occurred on the mainroads. Approximately 45 % of the accident cases had fracture. Approximately, 34% of the injuries were severe andlower extremity was involved in 36% of cases. About, 38 % of the victims reported that they were in depressed moodswhile riding bike.

Conclusion:

Mental depression, young age and lack of driving expertise were the major risk factors for motor bike accidents.