Helmeted vs nonhelmeted: a retrospective review of outcomes from 2-wheeled vehicle accidents at a level 1 trauma center.

摘要

Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of death and disability for people 1 to 44 years of age in the United States. The majority of injuries are from motor vehicle accidents, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, as well as pedestrians hit by vehicles. Injuries resulting in traumatic brain injury result in >30% of the deaths and contribute to significant morbidity for survivors. Traumatic brain injury is estimated to affect 1.5 million Americans yearly and results in 52 000 deaths and $60 billion in medical costs and lost wages. Injury prevention devices include safety belts for automobiles and helmets for 2-wheeled vehicles. Many steps in legislation have been taken to enforce seatbelt use for injury prevention, and now 49 of 50 states have mandatory seatbelt laws enforced by fines for adults. Helmet requirements lack such legislation, and currently only 20 states have universal helmet laws.