The three wheeler--a menace to the preadolescent child.

Children riding three-wheeled motorcycles have recently become victims of serious or fatal accidents. Twelve children (aged 3 to 12 years, mean, 8.7 years) all white, sustained serious or fatal injuries as a result of striking objects or overturning while riding these vehicles. The injured children were preadolescent, white, rural, male, and from relatively affluent families. Most injuries were to the head and upper torso causing severe cosmetic and functional deficits. Our experience suggests the need for better regulations for these vehicles when being ridden by children.