M. Stawikowska1, B. L. Brewer1, B. L. Zarzaur1, J. Coleman1, D. V. Feliciano1, G. S. Rozycki1 1Indiana University School Of Medicine,Surgery,Indianapolis, IN, USA
Introduction: Compared to motorcycles (MC), use of scooters and mopeds (MP) is largely unregulated as MP are perceived as safer than MC. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the demographics, injury patterns and injury severity of MP and MC crash victims. The hypothesis was that the two groups will have similar injury patterns and severity of injuries.
Methods: This retrospective, observational study was performed by reviewing the trauma registry at an urban level 1 trauma center. All patients admitted after a motorcycle crash (MCC) or moped crash (MPC) from 2010 – 2014 were included in the study. Patient demographics, insurance and injury related factors were compared.
Results: 1194 patients met inclusion criteria (1031 MCC, 163 MPC). Age and gender were similar between the two groups. MP drivers were more likely to be non-white (p=0.001) than MC drivers, and were significantly less likely to wear a helmet (p<0.001) or to be insured (p<0.0001). MP drivers were also more likely to be under the influence of alcohol (p<0.001) or drugs (p<0.001). MP drivers were significantly more likely to sustain traumatic brain injury (p=0.002) than MC drivers, while patients in MCC were more likely to sustain spinal cord injuries (p=0.004). Mean ISS and percent of patients with long bone fractures were similar between the two groups.
Conclusion: Despite being less regulated, victims of MPC are at least as likely, if not more likely, to suffer serious injury compared to victims of MCC. Also, MP riders are more likely to ride helmetless and with drug or alcohol impairment. While the use of MP may be perceived as safer than MC, stricter regulations governing this type of road vehicle should be pursued to prevent serious injury.
