BACKGROUND: Risk of deer motorcycle collisions (DMC) continues to increase in Midwestern and East Coast States and is a growing regional public health issue. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all motorcycle collisions involving animals over a 9-year period from October 1993 to October 2002. Data collected included Injury Severity Score (ISS), injury type, outcome, use of helmets/alcohol, time of year/day. RESULTS: Fifty-five DMC were identified, 49 drivers, and 6 passengers. ISS for helmeted patients was 6.02+/-4.6 and 17.6+/-14.9 for non-helmeted patients. There were 7 human fatalities (all without helmets). Of the 55 patients, 16% of those injured were intoxicated, without helmets, and had average ISS higher than those non-intoxicated. Head, chest and orthopedic extremity trauma accounted for >70% of injuries seen within the entire population. Incidence peaked in June/July, and 55% of the collisions occurred between the hours of 1800 and 2200. CONCLUSION: DMC are a significant public health issue in mid-western states. Education about helmet and alcohol use and safety on rural roads may be the best prevention. Continued research focusing on prevention is necessary.
BACKGROUND: Risk of deer motorcycle collisions (DMC) continues to increase in Midwestern and East Coast States and is a growing regional public health issue. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all motorcycle collisions involving animals over a 9-year period from October 1993 to October 2002. Data collected included Injury Severity Score (ISS), injury type, outcome, use of helmets/alcohol, time of year/day. RESULTS: Fifty-five DMC were identified, 49 drivers, and 6 passengers. ISS for helmeted patients was 6.02+/-4.6 and 17.6+/-14.9 for non-helmeted patients. There were 7 human fatalities (all without helmets). Of the 55 patients, 16% of those injured were intoxicated, without helmets, and had average ISS higher than those non-intoxicated. Head, chest and orthopedic extremity trauma accounted for >70% of injuries seen within the entire population. Incidence peaked in June/July, and 55% of the collisions occurred between the hours of 1800 and 2200. CONCLUSION:DMC are a significant public health issue in mid-western states. Education about helmet and alcohol use and safety on rural roads may be the best prevention. Continued research focusing on prevention is necessary.
Authors: Dustin L Smoot; Martin D Zielinski; Daniel C Cullinane; Donald H Jenkins; Henry J Schiller; Mark D Sawyer Journal: Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med Date: 2010-08-17 Impact factor: 2.953