This study evaluates the relationship between behavior and motor vehicle crash injuries using data from active duty Army personnel. Almost 100,000 Army personnel who completed health risk appraisal surveys in 1992 were followed for up to 6 years. Results showed that 429 soldiers, age 18-41 years or older, were hospitalized for motor vehicle injury. Cox proportional hazards modeling and multivariate models were used. Unadjusted analyses revealed that heavy drinking, drinking and driving, speeding, low seat belt use, younger age, minority race/ethnicity, and enlisted rank were significantly associated with motor vehicle injury and hospitalization. Smoking and gender were not significantly associated with motor vehicle injury and hospitalization. Soldiers under age 21 were injured almost 5 times more often than those over 40 years old. There was evidence of a nonsignficant age interaction where the difference in injury risk between those older and those younger than 21 was greatest at low alcohol consumption levels. Modifiable risk factors associated with motor vehicle injuries included heavy drinking and low seat belt use. Programs, including residential intervention, for young and minority soldiers are suggested that target these risky behaviors.
Abstract