That all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be dangerous to operators is widely accepted. Consumers, legislators, and manufacturers can gain important insight on ATV user safety and protection by understanding ATV crash mechanisms, especially rollovers. All patients with ATV-related injuries between March 1, 2003 and July 31, 2005 presenting to a regional trauma center were enrolled in an ATV crash data bank. Patient data and circumstances surrounding each crash were collected. During the study period, a total of 193 persons were treated for ATV-related injuries. Almost half (47%) of the 190 nonfatally injured patients were diagnosed with head injuries. The ATV rolled over in 63% of crashes. There was a strong association between rollover direction and riding terrain or slope type. Right-side rollover (odds ratio [OR] = 32.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.6-221.5) were strongly associated with ATV travel on uneven or flat surfaces. Backward rollovers (OR = 173.6, 95% CI = 27.2-1,497.0) were strongly associated with uphill ATV travel. On flat or uneven surfaces, children had a significantly greater right-side rollover risk compared with adults (OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.2-17.5). In uphill ATV rollover crashes, injury was more likely among adults; the vehicle rolled backwards in all of these cases. That there is likely involvement of nonrandom, modifiable factors is suggested by these findings. Unique insight into specific ATV crash mechanisms, particularly those involving children and rollovers, is provided through data. There may be applicability of findings to ATV design and user education changes.
Abstract