The three wheeler (adult tricycle): an unstable, dangerous machine

Three-wheel motor vehicular accidents are a common occurrence, yet we found little publicity or published research dedicated to exposing the dangers of this popular recreational vehicle, and manufacturers have released few warnings. In a 3-year period, 125 patients were seen in the emergency department in one east Alabama referral area, a far higher rate of accidents than caused by other similar types of vehicles. The most common mechanism of these accidents was rollover of the machine; fractures were the most frequent injury suffered. The very young are common victims. Accident prevention must begin with education of both parents and children about the potential dangers of three-wheelers--they are, indeed, dangerous, unstable machines.