Evaluation of the socio-demographic, individual and environmental characteristics of cases applicable due to injury motorcycle accident in terms of forensic medicine and its effect on the disability rate

ASSESSMENT OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHİC, INDIVIDUAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CASES APPLYING DUE TO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS AND THEİR IMPACT ON DISABILITY RATE Introduction and Objective: The absence of a protective structure for both the driver and the passenger, akin to automobiles, has increased the likelihood of injury in motorcycle accidents. Environmental and driver factors predominantly influence the occurrence of accidents in motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists are at 32 times higher risk of death and six times higher risk of injury per mile compared to occupants of other vehicles in traffic accidents. This study evaluates cases of motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries, aiming to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of the injured person, individual characteristics such as equipment usage, and environmental characteristics such as the mode of accident occurrence, type of road, and weather conditions during the accident. Furthermore, the objective is to determine the association between individual and environmental characteristics and the disability rate in the injured person. Materials and Methods: This study employed a prospective cross-sectional design and utilized a convenience sampling method. It was conducted on 200 cases who applied for disability reports at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Balıkesir University Faculty of Medicine, between July 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, agreed to participate in the study, and had experienced a motorcycle accident. Face- to-face surveys were conducted with the cases in the department's outpatient clinic. The disability rates of the cases following motorcycle accidents were calculated using the tables attached to the "Regulation on Disability Assessment for Adults" published in the Official Gazette dated February 20, 2019, and numbered 30692. The Chi-square test was utilized for comparing the percentages of categorical variables, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 200 participants, 16 were female (8%) and 184 were male (92%). The mean age of all cases was found to be 30.675 ± 13.422 years. The average age for female cases was 35.56, while for male cases, it was 30.25. When the cases were examined by age groups of twenties, the most numerous group was found to be the 20-39 age group (56.5%). It was observed that 62% of the cases (n=124) used helmets alone or with other equipment. When evaluated by the region of extremity injury, cases with only right lower extremity injury accounted for 23% (n=46), followed by cases with only left lower extremity injury also at 23% (n=46). Among the types of injuries, fractures were observed in a total of 163 out of 200 cases. The average speed for female cases was 35.93 km/h, while for male cases, it was 45.31 km/h. It was found that the most common reason for motorcycle use was transportation, accounting for 67.5% (n=135) of all cases. About 49.5% of all cases (n=99) underwent surgical treatment. The average disability rate for all cases was found to be 14.27%. The disability rate was significantly higher in male cases compared to female cases. Regarding age groups, statistically significant differences were found in disability rates. It was observed that disability rates tended to increase with age. Cases undergoing surgical treatment had a significantly higher disability rate compared to those receiving conservative treatment. Cases with injuries in at least two extremities had higher disability rates compared to cases without extremity injuries. When evaluated by the type of injury, cases with major vascular/nerve injuries had significantly higher disability rates. No statistically significant differences were found in disability rates based on BMI, speed, purpose of use, location of the accident, type of accident, weather conditions, equipment usage, engine displacement, license status, and position parameters during the accident. Discussion and Conclusion: Extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents generally do not pose a life-threatening risk but often result in permanent disability. Therefore, it is essential to not limit safety equipment to just helmets but to use protective gear that covers the entire body. Although in our study, the use of equipment and speed alone were not statistically significantly associated with disability rates, both factors are directly correlated with mortality and morbidity in motorcycle accidents. The success of treatment, followed by the rehabilitation process, and the individual's physiological recovery condition can be inferred to affect the disability incurred by an individual. In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of comprehensive safety measures for motorcyclists, including the use of protective gear beyond helmets, adherence to speed limits, and prompt and effective treatment and rehabilitation following accidents. By addressing these aspects, efforts can be made to mitigate the risk of disability resulting from motorcycle accidents and improve overall road safety for motorcyclists. Keywords: Motorcycle Accident, Disability, Safety Equipment.