A population-based study of motorcycle injury and costs.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a population-based injury and cost profile for motorcycle injury in Connecticut.


METHODS
Population-based retrospective epidemiologic review of Connecticut death certificates, hospital discharge data, and police accident reports.


RESULTS
Connecticut death certificates identified 112 deaths from motorcycle injuries for an annual death rate of 1.2 per 100,000 persons. Death rates were highest among 20- to 24-year-old men. Nonhelmeted motorcyclists were 3.4-fold more likely to die than were helmeted riders (P less than .05). An estimated 2,361 motorcycle-related hospital discharges resulted in an annual hospitalization rate of 24.7 per 100,000 persons. Head, neck, and spinal injuries accounted for 22% of all injuries. Total costs exceeded $29 million; 29% of hospitalized patients were uninsured, and 42% of the cost was not reimbursed to the hospitals.


CONCLUSIONS
Motorcycle injuries contribute significantly to Connecticut's mortality, morbidity, and medical costs. Our study suggests that a uniform helmet law would save an estimated ten lives and prevent more than 90 nonfatal injuries in Connecticut each year at a cost savings to the state of $5.1 million. These data are crucial in advocating re-enactment of motorcycle helmet laws.
Braddock
M
M
Connecticut Childhood Injury Prevention Center, Hartford.
Schwartz
R
R
Lapidus
G
G
Banco
L
L
Jacobs
L
L
D015998:Abbreviated Injury Scale; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D003416:Criminal Law / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003644:Death Certificates; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009049:Motorcycles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000592:standards; D012737:Sex Factors