CHAPTER ONE

 INTRODUCTION 1.0

BACKGROUND Road traffic injuries and deaths are a growing public health concern worldwide. Studies have shown that road traffic injuries are a major cause of death and disability globally, with a 2 disproportionate number occurring in developing countries. Road crashes are the second leading cause of death globally among young people. Venables et al (2010). Motorcycles are one of the most dangerous forms of motorized transportation. Due to small size of their vehicles, motorcycle riders represent a vulnerable group of road users. Motorcyclists are about three times more likely than car occupants to be injured in a crash, and 16 times more likely to die. Contrary to a car crash, in a motorcycle crash, the riders often absorb all kinetic and compressive energy resulting from the crash. Ung C.H. et al (2007). Motorcycle accidents being part of road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a global public health problem. Currently ranked ninth, RTAs are predicted to be the fifth leading cause of death in 2030. Every year, more than one million people die worldwide because of RTAs, more than 2500 deaths every day. 90 % of RTA related fatalities occur in low and middle income countries (WHO, 2004). In Singapore, motorcycle crashes are responsible for 54% of all deaths caused by any motor vehicle accidents. In Italy in 1997, 20% of all deaths due to traffic accidents involved motorcycles while in the United States the number of deaths due to motorcycle crash increased 103% between 1997 and 2006, numbering 2,300 deaths in 1994 and 4,000 in 2004. Pramada et al (1997).