Motorcycle-related injuries in children in the South-East Asia Region

Abstract

The motorcycle is the most common vehicle involved in transport- related injuries in many countries in the South East Asia Region. It is also a popular mode transport for children and families in many countries in the Region. Motorcycles, of which the rider has 26 times the risk to die, are the most common vehicles running on the Region's roads. Many are cheap, small but with high speed and not stable. Children are at greater risk when they ride on motorcycles as passengers. This report unveils the consequences of motorcycle use among children and also consequences after crashes and injuries. Wide range of recent data sources including official reports, injury surveillance information as well as surveys and scientific publications on motorcycle-related transport injuries in children aged less than 15 years were reviewed and analyzed for the report. The situation, risk factors and risk behaviors of the motorcycle-related injuries in children aged <15 years were elucidated. Based on the evidence, the recommendations for reducing motorcycle-related injuries in children aged <15 years are made for member countries.