An assessment of pediatric all-terrain vehicle injuries

OBJECTIVES: All-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related injuries and deaths have been increasing since 1996. The objective of this study is to define the impact on the morbidity and mortality of the pediatric population of the referral area of one of Kentucky's level-1 trauma centers. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry on all patients younger than 18 years of age admitted to the level 1 trauma center between 1996 and 2000 with ATV related injuries. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one pediatric patients were hospitalized from an ATV-related injury during the study period. There were five deaths. The male/female ratio was 3.2:1. The mean revised trauma score was 7.3 ± 1.3. The mean injury severity score was 12.3 ± 8.9. Helmet use was only 4%. The average hospitalization was 4.4 ± 5.2 days, 32% went to the intensive care unit and 52% to the operating room. Forty percent of patients had multisystem injuries. Passengers were younger than drivers (9.3 ± 4.9 and 13.3 ± 2.7 years, respectively). Hospital charges exceeded $2.1 million. CONCLUSION: All-terrain vehicle-related injuries led to significant morbidity and mortality for the pediatric population of southern and southeastern Kentucky. Encouraging helmet use and discouraging passengers from riding through safety education or a new state law may help to reduce ATV related mortality and morbidity. Prohibiting children younger than 16 years from operating or riding on an ATV seems justified.