90% of motorcycle riders killed in accidents not wearing helmets - DOH

Nine out of 10 riders who died in motorcycle accidents were not wearing their helmets at the time of the accident, the Department of Health said Monday. The DOH based its on figures the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS) in the last quarter of 2012. The 13,883 injury cases recorded by ONEISS were culled from 86 participating government and private hospitals for the last quarter of 2012. The numbers also revealed that in the last quarter of 2012, more than half (59.8 percent) of motorcycle accidents occurred among the 20-59 years age group. Injuries among children aged 0-19 accounted for 34.7 percent of the total reported cases. The DOH also said 25 males were injured for every 10 females, for a 25-to-10 ratio. The ratio was higher among victims aged 15 to 44 - three males for every female victim. Among those 65 years old and above, the ratio was nine males for 10 females. Regions By region, Central Luzon had the highest (19.3 percent) reported injury occurrences, followed by Metro Manila (14.8 percent), Cordillera (12.6 percent), Davao (11.7 percent), Cagayan Valley (10 percent), Northern Mindanao (6.6 percent), and Western Visayas (6.5 percent). Some 71.7 percent of the total injury cases were accidental, while about 26.3 percent were intentional or due to violence. Another 0.6 percent were self-inflicted injury cases. Of the injury cases in the last quarter of 2012, 39.2 percent occurred in October, 39.0 percent in November, and 21.1 percent in December. Causes The DOH said the top cause of injuries were: - vehicular crashes (32.1 percent) - assault/mauling (23 percent) - fall (16.9 percent) - contact with sharp objects (13.2 percent). - bites/stings (9.1 percent) - burns (1.5 percent) - gunshots (1.1 percent) - chemicals (0.3 percent) - hanging and drowning at 0.1 percent each. Most of the reported injuries occurred: - on the road (41.1 percent) - at home (26.3 percent) - workplace (4 percent) - school (2.2 percent). Some 99.5 percent of injury cases reached the hospital alive, while 85.4 percent were discharged after being treated at the emergency room or out-patient department. Only 9.6 percent were admitted for further treatment. “In order to reduce or avoid injuries, the DOH recommends the promotion of 'safety first' mindset and attitude,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said . Ona added that this attitude should start at the community where safety policies, plans, rules and procedures are taught to every member. Ona also said road safety is both a personal commitment and a shared responsibility of all road users. — DVM, GMA News