[Fatal motorcycle, motorbike and bicycle accidents. Cases from the medico-legal sector of Parma (1973-82)].

The data of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Insurance of the University of Parma regarding mortal motorcycle, motorbicycle and cycling accidents for a ten year period is cited (1973-1982) (296 cases). The data show a very high incidence of cranio-facial lesions (83.5%) which is the absolute most frequent cause of death (58.5%). The appeal for the promulgation of a rider's helmet as obligatory in Italy thus becomes an urgency. The high percentage of mortal accidents amongst cyclists and the substantial correspondence to the traumatology of motorcyclists senders towards this category of road users the need for similar preventive measures, if these can't be resolved with helmets for practical reasons, it is necessary to solicit more severe and drastic control for the respect of circulation regulations by them. On the other hand it is necessary to take measures capable of guaranteeing a way (lane for cyclists).