Citation

Sivasankar S, Karmegam K, Shamsul Bahri MT, Sadeghi N H, Kulanthayan S. Traffic Injury Prev. 2014; 15(6): 564-571.

Affiliation

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Universiti Putra Malaysia , 43400 , UPM Serdang , Selangor , Malaysia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15389588.2013.861596

PMID

24484430

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Motorcycles are a common mode of transport for most Malaysians. Underbone motorcycles are one of the most common type of motorcycle used in Malaysia due to its affordable price and ease of use especially in heavy traffic in the major cities. In Malaysia, it is a common sight for someone to see a young or child pillion rider clinging on to the adult in front of the motorcycle. One of the main issues facing young pillion riders is that their safety is often not taken into account when they are riding on a motorcycle. This article reviews the legally available systems in child safety for underbone motorcycles in Malaysia while putting forth the need for a safety system for child pillion riders. METHOD: Various database of articles were searched for underbone motorcycle safety systems, related legislation, motorcycle accident data, and type of injuries and these were reviewed to put forth the need for a new safety system. RESULTS: In motorcycle related accidents, children usually sustain lower limb injuries which could temporarily or permanently inhibit the child's movements. Accidents statistics in Malaysia especially those involving motorcycles shows a pressing need for the reduction of the number of accidents. In Malaysia, the legislation does not go beyond the mandatory use of the safety helmets for young pillion users. There is a pressing need for another safety system or mechanism(s) for young pillion riders of these underbone motorcycles. Enforcement of laws to force the usage of passive safety systems such as helmets and protective gears are difficult to enforce in under developed and developing countries. CONCLUSION: Hence the intervention of new technology is inevitable. Therefore, this paper highlights a need for a new safety backrest system for the use of children when riding as pillion to ensure their safety.

Language: en