Accident; analysis and prevention
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This study determined demographic factors associated with reported seatbelt use among injured adults admitted to a trauma center. A retrospective chart review was conducted including all patients admitted to a trauma center for injuries from motor vehicle crashes (MVC). E-codes (i.e. ⋯ Logistic regression revealed that age, female gender, Caucasian race, natural log of income, and driver were all significant predictors of reported seatbelt use. These results show that seatbelt use was more likely to be reported for older persons, women, Caucasians, individuals with greater incomes, and drivers. Seatbelt use should be encouraged for everyone; however, young people, men, African Americans, individuals with lower incomes, and passengers should be targeted specifically.
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We investigated motorcycle rider death rates between states with full motorcycle helmet laws and those without. This was done using both unadjusted bivariate analyses and multivariate random-effects generalized least squares regression models of rider death rates. ⋯ After controlling for other factors that affect motorcycle rider fatalities (most notably population density and temperature), death rates in states with full helmet laws were shown to be lower on average than deaths rates in states without full helmet laws (P = 0.740). Our study weakens the claim that rider death rates are significantly lower in states without full motorcycle helmet laws.
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Between 1979 and 1997, almost 30,000 Americans died from unintentional firearm injuries, half of whom were under 25 years of age and 4,600 of whom were less than 15 years old. ⋯ Of the almost 30,000 people who died in unintentional firearm deaths over the 19-year study period, a disproportionately high number died in states where guns are more prevalent. The results suggest that the increased risk of unintentional violent death among all age groups is not entirely explained by a state's level of poverty, urbanization, or regional location.
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To evaluate the association between chronic medical conditions, functional, cognitive, and visual impairments and driving difficulty and habits among older drivers. ⋯ The results underscore the need to further understand the factors negatively affecting driving independence and mobility in older drivers, as well as the importance of improved communication between older adults and health care professionals regarding driving.
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Insurance claims data were combined with telephone survey and on-site crash investigation data to create the first large scale, child-focused motor vehicle crash surveillance system in the US. Novel data management and transfer techniques were used to create a nearly real-time data collection system. ⋯ C. Partners for Child Passenger Safety is similar in its design and overall objectives to National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), the only other population-based crash surveillance system currently operating in the US.