Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motorcycle accident severity and demographic characteristics: A retrospective emergency department study

Authors : Veysel Kir, Sinan Genç, Ayça Koca, Müge Günalp, Onur Polat

Pages : 130-139

View : 52 | Download : 74

Publication Date : 2025-07-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: This study aimed to assess injury severity and the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the emergency department following motorcycle accidents before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting to the emergency department of a university hospital due to motorcycle accidents during the two years before and after the pandemic. Comparisons between the pre- and post-pandemic periods were made regarding age, sex, injury severity, injury sites, employment status as couriers, and ethanol positivity. Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15 was the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis used Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, with p 15 was similar across periods (4.5% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.883). Ethanol-positive patients had higher ISS scores, and more maxillofacial fractures, pneumothorax/hemothorax, and lung contusions. Among the study population, 21.2% were couriers, with radius/ulna fractures more common in couriers than non-couriers. Conclusion: Post-pandemic, motorcycle accidents increased, with a higher proportion of couriers. ISS scores remained similar between pre and post-pandemic periods. Safe driving techniques education, law regulations, and awareness regarding alcohol use are needed.
Keywords : COVID-19, Acil tıp, Yaralanma Şiddeti Skoru, Motosiklet, Travma

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