Motorbike injuries in Bermuda: a risk for tourists.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of injuries associated with motorbike use in Bermuda and discuss prevention strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study of all incident of traffic accidents involving motorbikes. Demographic characteristics and mechanisms, rates, and outcomes of injury for tourists and residents were compared.

RESULTS

We identified 657 cases of road trauma that occurred between July and September 1993. Of these cases, 538 (81.9%) involved motorbikes. The tourist rate of motorbike-related injury was 94.1/1,000 person-years at risk, whereas that of the local population was 16.6/1,000. The injury rate among residents was highest for young males, whereas among tourists it was highest among older persons. The relative risk (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 high risk of injury from motorbike use, with rates of injury much higher than the local population. Prevention strategies, particularly for older tourists, should be developed and implemented.