Injury analyses of fatal motorcycle collisions in south-east Scotland

The timing of death and pathological findings in fatal motorcycle accidents in south-east Scotland between 1987 and 1997 were investigated. Of the 59 motorcyclists who died, 38 were dead when found at the accident scene, six others were alive when found but died at the scene, two died in an ambulanc e in transit to hospital and 13 died after reaching hospital. Scoring of th e injuries according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale revealed Injury Severi ty Scores (ISS) ranging from 25 to 75. Overall, injuries to the head, neck and chest were responsible for the most severe injuries. Twenty-five motorc yclists had injuries acknowledged to be unsurvivable (ISS = 75), most of wh ich involved the thoracic aorta, brainstem and cervical spinal cord. The gr eatest potential to reduce the death rate amongst motorcyclists Lies with a ccident prevention/injury reduction measures, rather than through improved treatment of injuries. Efforts to try to alter driving behaviour and to imp rove the design of vehicles and helmets need to continue. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.