The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Original Article

Increased All-Terrain Vehicle Crash Accidents in Older Riders

Authors: George M. Testerman MD

Abstract

Objective:Recent reports on all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents cite high injury and death rates, disproportionately affecting younger riders. We sought to determine whether serious injuries at a level 1 trauma center have increased among older riders.Materials and Methods:Using the trauma registry, 300 ATV accidents from March 1, 1997 through March 30, 2007 were identified. A total of 250 patients admitted over the last six years (2001 through 2007) were stratified into earlier and later three-year time periods and by age groups. A Student t test was used for continuous variables and a chi-square for categorical variables. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.Results:During the last three years, ATV injury admissions (all ages) increased by 78% (P = 0.003). Pediatric ATV admissions (<age 16) were significantly decreased (P = 0.02). ATV accidents in riders over age 50 increased significantly over time (P = 0.04). There were four deaths under age 16 and three deaths over age 50. Patients over age 50 had more severe and frequent thoracic injuries and used more hospital resources.Conclusion:ATV accidents with severe injuries have increased dramatically at our trauma center and include increased numbers of older riders. Riders over age 50 are generally not identified as a subset of the population vulnerable to such incidents. Preventive efforts should include older riders.

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