Trauma caused by three-wheel motor vehicles--an unrecognized epidemic?

A retrospective study of 54 consecutive cases was done to evaluate severity of trauma caused by three-wheel motor vehicles. Skeletal trauma predominated (22 of 54 patients [41%]). Two deaths were reported (4%), as were numerous other injuries. Men were injured more frequently (46 of 54 [85%]) than women. Riders seldom wear protective helmets (two of 54 [4%]), thus contributing to severity of injury. The injury pattern differs from that reported in motorcycle accidents. Specific recommendations are made that address these problems.