[Bicycle accidents. Differences between one-vehicle accidents and accidents involving two or more vehicles].

INTRODUCTION

Bicycle accidents are the most frequent traffic accidents in Denmark. Most of these accidents are one-vehicle accidents. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between one-vehicle accidents and accidents with a counterpart in order to suggest focused prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis was based on data of the Danish Accident Registry using all bicycle accidents reported to five Danish emergency departments in the period 1998-2000.

RESULTS

81% of the bicycle accidents were one-vehicle accidents which frequently resulted in injuries of the upper extremities. They frequently resulted in fractures and open wounds compared to other bicycle accidents. For intoxicated bicyclists, 95% were one-vehicle accidents, and injuries to the head constituted 63% of the injuries.

DISCUSSION

One-vehicle accidents often result in severe injuries indicating a need for prevention. Special attention should be given to the young and the elderly. Although many bicycle accidents have no immediate cause, preventive measures should be taken, such as better clearing of roads and bicycle tracks and campaigns against drink-riding.