Abstract
Most previous studies of the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 15-20 years old, and none have specifically addressed brain injuries attributable to motor vehicle crashes. This study is based on a statewide surveillance of all hospitalized drivers in Maryland for a three-year period, 1994-1996. The incidence of brain injury has been characterized for this population in terms of driver, vehicle, and crash-related factors. In addition, those characteristics most predictive of serious brain injury have been identified. Findings from these analyses reveal that predictors of serious injuries are somewhat different than those for the total incidence of TBI. (A)