Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 2 and 34 years. It is therefore imperative that the nation’s medical community engages fully in its prevention, as well as its treatment. Medical research into the epidemiology of motor vehicle crashes is vital. We are pleased to see that, in this issue of Annals, Bazarian et al [ Bazarian JJ, Fisher SG, Flesher W, et al. Lateral automobile impacts and the risk of traumatic brain injury. Ann Emerg Med. 2004;44:142-152.] have undertaken to use an important national database to report the risk of traumatic brain injury to patients in side impact crashes. (Author/publisher)
Abstract