Citation

MacGregor AJ, Mayo JA, Dougherty AL, Girard PJ, Galarneau MR. Injury 2012; 43(9): 1551-1555.

Affiliation

Department of Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.injury.2011.04.017

PMID

21612779

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.

Language: en