Injury patterns and forensic report classification in motorcycle accidents: a large-scale retrospective study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Motorcycle accidents represent a significant public health and forensic medicine issue due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and forensic characteristics of motorcycle accidents. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,445 motorcycle accident cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine at Eski & scedil;ehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine for forensic evaluation between 2020 and 2024. Demographic data, accident characteristics, helmet and alcohol use, injury patterns, Injury Severity Score (ISS) values, and forensic report classifications according to Turkish Penal Code (TCK) No. 5237 were analyzed. RESULTS: Of these cases, 91.7% were male, with an average age of 31.8 years; the most commonly affected age group was 20-29 years. Most accidents occurred within city limits (68.1%), and the most frequent accident mechanism was collision with another vehicle (59.8%). Helmet use was reported in 36.0% of cases, while 47.0% were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The most common injuries involved the lower (44.4%) and upper extremities (38.7%). Fractures most frequently affected the tibia/fibula, wrist-hand bones, and ribs. The average ISS was 9.1 +/- 4.8; injuries were classified as mild in 59.3% of cases, moderate in 30.0%, and severe in 10.7%. According to the TCK, 66.0% of injuries were classified as "treatable with simple medical intervention." CONCLUSION: Motorcycle accidents are particularly common among young men, and helmet use remains low. Injuries predominantly affect the extremities, and forensic classification based on the TCK provides a distinctive contribution to forensic medicine practice. Increasing the use of protective equipment, preventing driving under the influence of alcohol, and strengthening traffic safety measures are essential.