Snowmobile accidents in Lapland.

It is assumed that there are about 30,000 snowmobiles in Lapland. In 12 health centers and in all three hospitals the snowmobile accidents were analyzed in 1990. There were 290 accidents reported. Seventy-two percent were leisure time accidents. The accidents occurred typically in the afternoon during the weekend in the spring. Most accidents took place in the woods by driving into a barrier. Half of the injuries were on extremities, especially on legs. Eighteen % were head injuries and 11% thorax injuries. According to the Abbreviated Injury Scale classification most injuries were of class 1 and 2. There were 5 deaths. Thirty-one % of the injured persons had a helmet. From 1991 the use of the helmet is compulsory. The registration of snowmobiles is important and it should be implemented in Finland. The snowmobile is a significant cause of accidents in Lapland today and preventive measures are urgent.