Impairment pattern in passenger car crashes : a follow-up of injuries resulting in long-term consequences.

In this paper the impairment pattern for road accident injuries 1-5 years after the accident is identified. Different levels of impairment have been recorded as well as the type of road users. The impairment pattern was found to be unique for different types of road users and for different ages. It is also obvious that the impairment risk is focused around a few diagnoses. The result can be used for formulating what future priorities should be set up in the field of crash protection for car occupants and for unprotected road users. (A)