Injury prevention and recreational all-terrain vehicle use: the impact of helmet use in West Virginia.

UNLABELLED: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular source of outdoor activity in the United States, particularly in West Virginia. During the period of time from 1999 to 2007, deaths associated with ATVs in West Virginia increased by 28%. Helmet use among bicycle and motorcycle riders has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality following trauma.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study to compare injury patterns, hospital course, and resource utilization of non-helmeted and helmeted riders involved in ATV accidents using data from the West Virginia Trauma Center System. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study variables and comparisons were made between helmeted and non-helmeted riders.

RESULTS: In 2010, there were 1,059 patients aged 18 and over with traumas resulting from ATV accidents within the System. Riders involved in ATV trauma occurring on farms and streets were significantly more likely to be non-helmeted, while those using ATVs for recreational purposes were more likely to be helmeted. Non-helmeted riders were significantly more likely to arrive to the hospital via helicopter than helmeted riders, and were less likely to be discharged home from the ED compared to helmeted riders. Non-helmeted riders sustained significantly more head, neck, soft tissue injuries, concussions, intracranial hemorrhages, facial fractures, skull fractures, and thoracic spine fractures than helmeted riders.

DISCUSSION: The findings of the current study support previous studies documenting that helmet use is protective against intracranial injury and other injuries of the head and neck. ATV use continues to be a significant contribution to trauma morbidity and mortality in West Virginia.

CONCLUSION: Efforts that focus on increased helmet use have the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality following ATV trauma. Enforcement of the current West Virginia ATV Law should be encouraged. Legislation expanding the mandatory use of safety equipment and rider training should be enacted in West Virginia.