Academic Journal
A 20-Year Analysis of Motorcycle Trauma After Helmet Law Repeal.
| Τίτλος: | A 20-Year Analysis of Motorcycle Trauma After Helmet Law Repeal. |
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| Συγγραφείς: | VanDyke L; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas., Richesin C; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas., Bennett M; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas., Long J; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas., Bowman SM; College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas., Bruce N; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Litte Rock, Arkansas., Davis B; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Litte Rock, Arkansas., Jensen H; College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Litte Rock, Arkansas. Electronic address: hkjensen@uams.edu. |
| Πηγή: | The Journal of surgical research [J Surg Res] 2026 Oct; Vol. 326, pp. 1050-1058. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Sep 02. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Academic Press Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 0376340 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1095-8673 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00224804 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Surg Res Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: New York, NY : Academic Press Original Publication: Philadelphia [etc.] |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Head Protective Devices*/statistics & numerical data , Motorcycles*/legislation & jurisprudence , Motorcycles*/statistics & numerical data , Accidents, Traffic*/mortality , Accidents, Traffic*/statistics & numerical data , Craniocerebral Trauma*/epidemiology , Craniocerebral Trauma*/prevention & control , Craniocerebral Trauma*/mortality , Craniocerebral Trauma*/etiology, Arkansas/epidemiology ; Trauma Centers/statistics & numerical data ; Hospital Mortality/trends ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Injury Severity Score ; Young Adult |
| Περίληψη: | Introduction: After Arkansas repealed its universal motorcycle helmet law in 1997, helmet use decreased and motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities increased. Long-term clinical and population-level impacts of this policy change remain incompletely characterized. This study integrates statewide crash and fatality data with trauma center data to evaluate trends in helmet use, injury severity, and mortality at scene and hospitalization. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed motorcycle-related admissions and emergency department deaths at the state's only adult level I trauma center from 2004 to 2023 across three periods: 2004-2006, 2013-2015, and 2021-2023. Demographics, helmet use, injury severity, and outcomes were assessed. Logistic regression evaluated associations between helmet use, severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3), and inhospital mortality. Fatality data were obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and crash-level data (2015-2023) were obtained from the State Department of Transportation. Results: Among 1104 trauma admissions, annual admissions nearly tripled over time, with nonhelmeted riders representing 64%-72%. Helmet use was independently associated with lower odds of severe head injury (odds ratio 0.48, P < 0.001). Nonhelmeted riders had higher on-scene fatality risk (relative risk 1.21). Severe head injuries increased and were strong predictors of inhospital mortality. Population-adjusted motorcycle fatality rates rose from 2.34 to 3.18 per 100,000 residents by 2021-2023. Conclusions: Motorcycle fatalities and severe head injuries increased during the postrepeal period and were associated with helmet nonuse and severe head trauma. Clinical and statewide data show consistent associations among helmet nonuse, severe head injury, and prehospital and in-hospital mortality, highlighting helmet use as a target for injury prevention policy. (Copyright © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Acute brain injury; Helmet; Motorcycle; Seatbelt; Trauma |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260901 Date Completed: 20261008 Latest Revision: 20261008 |
| Update Code: | 20261008 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jss.2026.07.054 |
| PMID: | 42679623 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1095-8673 |
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| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jss.2026.07.054 |