БИОМЕТЕОРОЛОШКИ УТИЦАЈ НА ПОВРЕЂИВАЊЕ МОТОЦИКЛИСТА И БИЦИКЛИСТА

Abstract

Introduction. Biometeorological circumstances have great influence on all traffic participants, especially on reflexes, movement coordination and perception ability, increasing the number of accidents. Motocyclists and bicyclists are specific participants in traffic, so their traumatism has its own special characteristics.

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish biometeorological influence on motorcyclists and bicyclists accidents.

Methods. Comparative analysis of everyday biometeorological phases for the city of Kragujevac determinated by the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia and motorcyclists and bicyclists accident evidence received from Kragujevac traffic police for the period 2004-2008.

Results. There were 5,180 traffic accidents in this period, with 180 accidents in which 77 motorcyclists and 116 bicyclists were knocked down. Most of the accidents were in 2008 (53) and the least in 2005 (28). Most accidents occurred during August (28) and between 19.00 and 20.00 hours (18). There were no accidents during January, between 04.00 and 06.00 hours. There were 85% accidents in the urban area. Most of 169 males were aged 16-20 and 21-25 years (20 and 21). Most of 24 females (6) were aged 11-15 years. Those who caused the accident mostly sustained injuries due to improper speed limit (31), while the victims due to the disrespect of street-crossing priorities (32). Forty-one motorcyclists and 85 bicyclists suffered mild body injuries. Thirty-one motorcyclists and 27 bicyclist suffered severe injuries. Five motorcyclists and four bicyclists ended lethally. Most accidents happened in biometeorological phases 9 (63), 4 (32) and 1 (31).

Conclusion. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between accidents and biometeorological phases, with most accidents occurring during stabile warm weather and rapid penetrations of cold fronts, and with a sudden switch of weather conditions.

Keywords: trauma, motorcyclist, bicyclist, biometeorological phases