Legal intervention proposal to reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury, facial fractures and mortality in motorcyclists in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: In Chile, motorcycle accidents augmented these last years, with 223 dead motorbikers and over 6.300 injured in 2021. The mortality rate and injuries such as traumatic brain injury and facial fractures are associated with the direct impacts that these drivers expose themselves to. Objective: Propose the use of a specific type of helmet to reduce the mortality and incidence of traumatic brain injury and facial fractures in motorbikers. Methodology: A literature revision was done consulting PubMed and national and international institutions to develop an intervention proposal. Results: Studies show that full-face helmets in motorcyclists is a protective factor compared to other helmets, reducing mortality, traumatic brain injury risk and facial fractures in greater proportion. In Chile, the legislation demands the use of approved helmets. Discussion: The lack of specifications about the type of helmet in the Chilean legislation limits the possibility to improve the prevention of injuries. Internationally the use of full-face helmet is suggested due to its higher protection. Due to this, the implementation of laws that force the use of full-face helmets in motorbikers in Chile could decrease their mortality and incidence of traumatic brain injury and fractures. Conclusion: The obligatory use of full-face helmets in Chile represents an urgent intervention to reduce injuries in motorcyclists. The legal modification of the article 2 of the decree 231, demanding the use of full-face helmets in motorbikers, could reduce the incidence of these injuries.