Faculty Collaboration Database

Increased risk of death or disability in unhelmeted Wisconsin motorcyclists. WMJ 2005 Feb;104(2):39-44

Date

04/29/2005

Pubmed ID

15856741

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-19144366367 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   39 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among motorcycle rider helmet, alcohol use and the full spectrum of health outcomes following crashes.

METHODS: Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-sponsored Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) for Wisconsin, 2002, were used to study 2462 motorcycle crash victims. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of helmet and alcohol use with outcomes.

RESULTS: Compared to helmeted motorcycle riders, unhelmeted riders were more likely to require inpatient hospitalization (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.1-1.8) or die (RR = 1.9, 95% CI:1.0-3.7) but equally likely to be treated in emergency departments. Injury patterns differed by helmet use. Unhelmeted riders were more likely to suffer injuries of the head (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% CI:1.5-3.3) or face (OR = 3.0, 95% CI:2.1-4.2) than helmeted riders. No difference was observed in other injuries, including spine/neck injuries. Reported alcohol use was more prevalent among patients who were inpatients or died, and was associated with higher likelihood of not wearing a helmet (OR = 7.0, 95% CI:4.8-12.9).

CONCLUSION: Motorcycle riders who are inpatients or die in a crash are less likely to be helmeted and more likely to sustain head or face injuries. Alcohol use is associated with unhelmeted riding and increased risk of poor outcomes. These findings support policy and educational efforts promoting helmet use, which seek to decrease these tragedies.

Author List

Sauter C, Zhu S, Allen S, Hargarten S, Layde PM

Authors

Stephen W. Hargarten MD, MPH Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Carley N. Sauter MD Associate Professor in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Accidents, Traffic
Adult
Alcohol Drinking
Craniocerebral Trauma
Disabled Persons
Female
Head Protective Devices
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Motorcycles
Risk Factors
Wisconsin