Injuries Associated With Three-Wheeled, All-Terrain Vehicles, Alaska, 1983 and 1984
- Suzanne M. Smith, MD;
- John P. Middaugh, MD
- From the Division of Surveillance and Epidemiologic Studies, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta (Dr Smith); and the Epidemiology Office, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services, State of Alaska, Anchorage (Dr Middaugh). Dr Smith is now with the Division of Injury Epidemiology and Control, Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta.
Abstract
From January 1983 through December 1984, twenty deaths and at least 534 injuries in Alaska were associated with three-wheeled, all-terrain vehicles. Age at death ranged from 12 to 53 years; 15 deaths (75%) were in the 15- to 34-year age group. Of the 20 fatalities, 12 (60%) might have been prevented had the riders been wearing a helmet. Alcohol use was detected or highly suspected as the major contributing cause of the fatal crash for 12 of 15 drivers and three of five female passengers. Potential risk factors for injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles include alcohol use, failure to use helmets, rider inexperience and inattention, and excessive speed.
(JAMA 1986;255:2454-2458)
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to Division of Injury Epidemiology and Control, Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333 (Dr Smith).
