Patterns of Morbidity and Mortality amongst Motorcycle Riders and their Passengers in Benin-City Nigeria: One-year Review

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among bike riders and pillion seat passengers involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria between August 2003-July 2004. Methods: A total of Fifty-one bike riders and pillion seat passengers; who participated in this study were part of a larger study; involved in a road traffic accident and were brought to the accident and emergency unit of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002- July 2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had an autopsy done on them. Results: A total of 51 cases of bikes riders/pillion seat passenger accidents were recorded representing 18of total accidents. 35 motorbike riders/pillion seat passengers were struck down by cars (68.6). Seven bike riders/pillion seat passengers (13.5) were struck by articulated vehicles. 7 bike riders/pillion seat passengers representing 13.5of cases were stuck by buses; 2 (3.9) pillion seat passengers fell of bikes from epilepsies and sustained secondary injuries. Males were more in number with a ratio of 2.5; 1. One hundred percent (100) or all motorcyclist and their passengers did not use helmets. Conclusion: Cars struck down most bike riders and their pillion seat passengers. Males were more than females in number. The commonest autopsy findings as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage preventable by the use of crash helmets