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Current helmet and protective equipment usage among previously injured ATV and motorcycle riders

¹ Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
² Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine and Wishard Health Services, Indianapolis, Indiana

Correspondence to:
Dr R S Mangus
Emerson Hall, Department of Surgery, 545 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA; rmangus{at}iupui.edu

ABSTRACT
Injury recidivism among trauma patients may be related to an individual pattern of high risk behaviors. The extent to which an injury episode modifies this behavior pattern is unknown. A self report, voluntary, anonymous, cross sectional survey was administered to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders at a popular recreation site. Data included demographics, injury history, and current usage of helmet and protective gear. Two hundred eighty surveys were completed. History of ATV/motorcycle related minor and major injury were reported by 21% and 9%, respectively. Persons with a history of minor ATV/motorcycle injury only were less likely to use a helmet or protective equipment (78% v 74%, p = 0.58 and 49% v 41%, p = 0.29). Persons with a history of any major ATV/motorcycle injury were also less likely to use a helmet or protective equipment (77% v 56%, p = 0.03 and 48% v 40%, p = 0.53). These findings suggest a pattern of persistent high risk behavior among previously injured persons.

Keywords: all-terrain vehicle (ATV); motorcycle; helmet use; injury recidivism