Three-Wheeler Accidents

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Abstract
To the Editor.— Originally used by farmers and adult sportsmen for transportation on uneven terrain, three-wheeled motorcycles have recently gained widespread popularity for purely recreational purposes. These vehicles can attain speeds up to 70 mph and are frequently operated by young children. This combination has resulted in an alarming number of accidents with serious injuries. During the 12-month period ending December 1984, seventeen consecutive patients were admitted to the La Crosse (Wis) Lutheran Hospital for the treatment of injuries sustained in three-wheeler accidents. All 17 patients were male, and age ranged from 6 to 51 years- (mean, 16 years). Twelve patients (71%) were younger than 15 years. Common mechanisms of injury included rollover accident (six), collision with stationary object (four), collision with automobile (two), and fall from vehicle (two). Most frequent injuries were long-bone fractures (nine), craniocerebral trauma (four), thoracic injuries (three), spine fractures (two), and maxillofacial fracture (two). The

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