A State-Wide Analysis of Pre-Hospital Injuries and Fatalities Resulting from Motorcycle Road Accidents in Queensland

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and characteristics of pre-hospital injuries and fatalities involving motorcycle riders in Queensland. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all motorcycle road traffic crashes that were attended by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) over a five year period (1999-2003). A total of 6145 motorcycle-related incidents were recorded by the QAS during the study period, of which 113 incidents involved a deceased rider. Importantly, there was a 34% increase in the total number of motorcycle injury-related cases over the 5 year period, as well as an increase in the number of pre-hospital deaths. A further comparative analysis revealed some level of disparity between QAS data and corresponding official motorcycle injury records that are predominantly utilised to inform motorcycle policy. The reasons for this discrepancy and the implications of the findings will be further examined in the paper.