Helmet Laws in Jamaica: An Observational Study of Non-Compliant Motorcycle Accident Victims

Abstract

Aim: Despite the implementation of mandatory helmet laws in Jamaica in 1999, compliance remains poor. We carried out a descriptive study of non-compliant motorcycle accident victims in order to define a high-risk population to target for educational campaigns.Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected from all motorcycle accident victims treated at tertiary referral hospital in Jamaica between January 1, 1999 and January 1, 2007. Pedestrians and automobile passengers involved in collisions with motorcycles were excluded. The demographics of the sub-population of non-compliant patients were analyzed using SPSS version 12.Results: There were 270 motorcycle accident victims, of which 136 (50.4%) were un-helmeted. The majority of non-compliant patients were in the third and fourth decades of life. There were 11 non-compliant females at a mean age of 27 years (SD 8.4; Range 16-42; Median 26; Mode 26) and 125 non-compliant males at a mean age of 32.2 years (SD 109; Range 7-63; Median 30; Mode 27). There were trends toward decreased compliance in females (11/13 females vs 125/257 males) and pillion passengers (23/26 pillion passengers vs 112/244 drivers). Since 1999, there has been a downward trend in the prevalence of non-compliance with helmet laws. Conclusion: The compliance with mandatory helmet use on Jamaica’s motorways is low. Educational campaigns targeting high-risk groups may be an effective strategy to improve compliance. Young women in the second and third decades who are pillion passengers on motorcycles comprise a high-risk group that deserves special attention in public health campaigns. It is time for legislators to revise the legislation with special attention to appropriate penalties for non-compliance and motorcycle license issuance protocols.