Motorcycle accidents in Nigeria. A new group at risk.
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.
Falope
I A
IA
National Orthopaedic Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009549:Nigeria; D011859:Radiography; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*