In Colombia, the mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants due to road accidents was 19.98 between 18 and 39 years and 33.11 over 65 and non-fatal injuries was 142.08 (18-39 y) and 80 over 65. In the world 23% of injuries involve a motorcycle and in Colombia more than 50% of deaths and injuries are related to motorcycles. Rates in Colombia increased between 2010 and 2016. The aim was to compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, the quality of life and functioning outcomes in Medellín from patients under and over 60 years.

Prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study from 1081 patients form two cohorts, 834 under and 247 over 60 years old, in which they were described the sociodemographic characteristics, TA characteristics Including severity with the New Injury Severity Score (NISS), pain, disability (WHO-DASII) and quality of life (SF-36).

Comparison cohort of 18 to 60 years Vs over 60 years. Men were 75.8% vs. 51%, studied more than 6 years 86.1% Vs 55.8%, collision as cause 54.9% Vs 9.3%, runover as cause 25.1% Vs 73.6%, motorcycle driver 58.4% Vs 8.0%, pedestrian 17.5% Vs 71.2%. In both cohorts the most affected domains of quality of life were physical performance and function, in the group of young people the emotional performance was more affected. In both cohorts, the most affected domains in functioning were activities outside the home, housework, and moving in one's environment.

In Medellin most of the young adults have traffic accidents when they drive a motorcycle and collide with a vehicle, on the contrary, older adults suffer accidents when they are runover by motorcycles as pedestrians. All suffer important consequences in their quality of life and functioning. Colombia is losing the battle against road insecurity. It is a tragedy and a challenge for public health.