Citation

Saunders RN, Dull MB, Witte AB, Regan JM, Davis AT, Koehler TJ, Gibson CJ, Iskander GA, Rodriguez CH, Cohle SD, Chapman AJ. Am. J. Surg. 2019; 217(3): 552-555.

Affiliation

Spectrum Health Hospital, Acute Care Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 221 Michigan NE, Suite 402, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA. Electronic address: Alistair.Chapman@spectrumhealth.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.10.007

PMID

30352664

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immediately fatal motorcycle crashes have not been well characterized. This study catalogues injuries sustained in fatal motorcycle crashes and assesses the impact of crash conditions on injury patterns.

METHODS: Autopsy records from the office of the medical examiner of Kent County, MI and publicly available traffic reports were queried for information pertaining to motorcyclists declared dead on-scene between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016.

RESULTS: A total of 71 autopsies of on-scene motorcycle crash fatalities were identified. The two most prevalent injuries were traumatic brain injury (TBI) (85%) and rib fractures (79%). The majority of fatalities occurred in daylight hours (54.3%) and in a 55 mph speed limit zone (63.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a catalogue of the injuries sustained in immediately fatal motorcycle crashes and the associated conditions. Advocacy efforts that highlight the risks associated with motorcycle riding and that promote safe riding practices are warranted.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Cause of death; Crash conditions; Injuries; Motorcycle; On-scene fatalities