What is it about?
The study documents how many riders in a particular region in Jamaica wear helmets and the reasons for not wearing helmets in those who choose not to. We looked at how many riders have a motorcycle license and insurance as these are used as indicators of road worthiness of the rider. Information of the rider or passenger were looked at in terms of age, gender, address and other demographic information was collected. The engine size of motorcycle was also documented.
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Why is it important?
The study demonstrated the importance of wearing a helmet to reduce likelihood of sustaining a head injury. It noted that the riders in their twenties are the largest group which sustained injuries including head injuries and they had the second highest rate of noncompliance in wearing a helmet. The knowledge of riding for a short distance being the commonest reason for not wearing a helmet. These points serve as useful information in constructing public educational messages which target an age group and the reason for their risk taking behavior.
Perspectives
This article provides an opportunity for law makers and the public to understand why riders are taking risks and allows for comparisons among different age groups from teenagers to riders in their sixties. This can allow our road safety unit in Jamaica to move away from our one size fits all approach to public educational messages such riding without a helmet increases fatality risk, by understanding why our riders are taking risks.
Doctor CARY Keith FLETCHER
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Helmet use among motorcycle accident victims in the north-east region of Jamaica, International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, August 2019, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2019.1653931.
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