Strategies to prevent motorcyclist fatalities and injuries in Mexico City (WHO)

In recent years, Mexico City has faced a significant increase in motorcyclist fatalities and injuries. From 2019 to 2022, deaths among motorcyclists and passengers increased by 134%, while injuries grew by 89%. This mirrors a regional increase in deaths among users of powered two- and three-wheelers, which increased from 15% to 25% of all road traffic deaths in the region of the Americas between 2010 and 2021.

In Mexico City, the rise is partly due to the growing popularity of motorcycles as an affordable and efficient mode of transportation, in a city notorious for its dense and congested traffic. Between 2014 and 2023 the number of motorcycles registered in the city more than tripled, increasing from 210,020 in 2014 to 716,400 in 2023. This trend has led to a higher incidence of motorcycle crashes, resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities. In 2022, motorcycles were involved in 6 out of 10 traffic incidents; nearly half of the fatalities in such incidents (174 out of 381) were motorcyclists, of which 50% (86 out of 174) died in single-vehicle crashes, often involving skidding or colliding with a tree or pole. Vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists) accounted for 81% of traffic fatalities during this period (2019-2022), with motorcyclists representing the largest group at 47%.

To address this issue, between 2023 and 2024 the city undertook several actions to reduce motorcycle-related crashes, fatalities and injuries by strengthening and enforcing regulations to improve safety. Their actions align with several WHO-recommended interventions around improving road safety for powered two- and three-wheelers.

Enacting new regulations to enhance motorcycle safety

In September 2023, the city amended existing legislation to increase motorcyclist safety in several ways. One of these was connected to reducing the speed at which motorcycles travel around the city. Higher speeds on roads correlate directly with an increased likelihood of traffic fatalities or severe injuries. An increase of 1 km/h in average vehicle speed can result in a 3% increase in traffic crashes resulting in injuries, and a 4-5% increase in fatal crashes. Limiting speeding is an intervention that has been repeatedly shown to be effective. The city legislation now prevents motorcycles from using roads where the maximum speed permitted is 80 km/h. The aim is to ensure motorcycle drivers travel on roads with lower speed limits, and that their risk of speed-related crashes is consequently reduced.

In addition, Mexico City amended the local regulations to require the use of certified helmets by motorcycle riders, limit the number of passengers on motorcycles, and prohibit the transport of infants. Improving helmet use is an important component of road safety for motorcycle use. Head injuries are the main cause of death in most motorcycle crashes in Mexico City, and WHO data shows quality helmets reduce the risk of death by 40% and reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 70%.

Restricting the number of passengers on motorcycles can also ensure optimal conditions for safe riding, mitigating the risk of crashes caused by loss of balance. Whilst global evidence is limited on the use of age restrictions, Mexico City decided to introduce one based on local data. Between January 2019 and March 2023, 17 minors died in Mexico City while traveling on motorcycles, accounting for 3% of all motorcyclist fatalities in the capital. The city has now introduced a restriction on children under 12 travelling as passengers on motorcycles.

These new restrictions apply to all city roads, and the city can now impound vehicles where drivers have violated any of these measures, as well as issuing penalty fines. In addition to reducing road traffic crashes, the economic impact of this regulatory amendment is expected to be substantial. In addition to healthcare savings from reducing deaths and injuries, it also expects to reduce costs associated with traffic incident responses, which can cost between 500,000 and 1 million pesos per patient (SEDESA, 2024). Toughening penalties by impounding violating motorcycles is also initially expected to generate revenue, as well as ensuring compliance and incentivizing behavior change.

Access the full report on the World Health Organization website.