The study emploued methods whereby statewide data from police crash reports, emergency medical services, hospital emergency departments, hospital discharge files, claims, and other sources were linked so that people injured in motor vehicle crashes could be followed through the health care system. Information for both the injured and uninjured was then used to determine the benefits of protective devices in motor vehicle crashes. The available information included inpatient charges and estimates of actual costs using a charge-to-cost ratio. The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) study results revealed that safety belts are highly effective in reducing morbidity and mortality. They also indicate that safety belts cause a downward shift in the severity of injuries.
Samenvatting