title: Injuries sustained in noncombat motor vehicle accidents during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine injuries sustained in noncombat motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) during Operation Iraqi Freedom by injury type, site, and severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred and forty-eight military personnel injured in noncombat MVAs from March 2004-June 2007 were identified from clinical records completed near the point of injury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On average, personnel suffered two injuries per accident. The most frequent MVA mechanism was non-collision due to loss of control (30%). Overall, 16% were injured in a collision accident and 19% in a rollover accident. Rollovers were associated with more severe injuries. A greater proportion of drivers sustained head/neck/face injuries, whereas gunners and pedestrians had higher percents of extremity injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This analysis provides a thorough overview of injuries incurred in nonbattle MVAs in the combat environment. Future research should combine injury data with accident reports to elucidate areas for improvements in vehicle safety.
authors: Department of Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: MacGregor
authors: Jonathan A
authors: JA
authors: Mayo
authors: Amber L
authors: AL
authors: Dougherty
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Girard
authors: Michael R
authors: MR
authors: Galarneau