Citation

de Silva M, Nellihala LP, Fernando D. Ceylon Med. J. 2001; 46(1): 15-16.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Nugegoda.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Sri Lanka Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11569993

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of injuries and some causative factors of three-wheeler related accidents. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Accident unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila. METHODS: One hundred patients admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital with three-wheeler related accidents were interviewed, examined within 24 hours of admission and followed up by using a standard questionnaire. Detailed descriptions of the accident and the types of injuries were recorded. RESULTS: 54 accidents took place during daytime 07.00 h to 19.00 h) and the passengers were the commonest victims (40%). Soft tissue injury was the commonest injury observed (75%). The second commonest type of injury was long bone fractures (21%). Toppling due to a sudden turn of the vehicle accounted for 30% of accidents. Of 28 drivers in the study group, 25 admitted breaking the handle-lock to increase the vehicle's turning angle. Toppling due to a sudden turn was identified as the cause of the accident in all those who had interfered with the handle-lock. At the time of the accident, 89% of the drivers and 28.1% of pedestrians were under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol was related to 67.4% of the night accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption was recognised as a major contributory factor, in particular for night accidents. A strong association was observed between mechanical alteration of the vehicle's handle-lock and the risk of accident. Introduction of legislation to prohibit handle-lock alteration and strict implementation of the law regarding driving under the influence of alcohol would help to reduce three-wheeler related accidents.