MOTORBIKE INJURIES IN BERMUDA - A RISK FOR TOURISTS

Study objectives: To describe the incidence of injuries associated wit h motorbike use in Bermuda and discuss prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a population-based study of all incidents of traffic acc idents involving motorbikes. Demographic characteristics and mechanism s, rates, and outcomes of injury for tourists and residents were compa red. Results: We identified 657 cases of road trauma that occurred bet ween July and September 1993. Of these cases, 538 (81.9%) involved mot orbikes. The tourist rate of motorbike-related injury was 94.1/1,000 p erson-years at risk, whereas that of the local population was 16.6/1,0 00. The injury rate among residents was highest for young males, where as among tourists it was highest among older persons. The relative ris k (RR) of injury for tourists was 5.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4 .8 to 6.7). Tourists also had an increased risk of fracture (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.67). Conclusion: Tourists visiting Bermuda are at h igh risk of injury from motorbike use, with rates of injury much highe r than the local population. Prevention strategies, particularly for o lder tourists, should be developed and implemented.