TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2006//
TI  - Trends in RTA related spinal injuries: the post penalty points era
JO  - Irish journal of medical science
A1  - Butler, Joseph S.
A1  - Burke, J. P.
A1  - Healy, D. G.
A1  - Stephens, M. M.
A1  - McManus, F.
A1  - McCormack, D.
A1  - O'Byrne, J. M.
A1  - Poynton, A. R.
SP  - 20
EP  - 23
VL  - 175
IS  - 1
N2  - BACKGROUND: On October 31st 2002 a system of cumulative penalty points for road traffic offences was introduced. Early evidence suggested a reduction in road traffic accident (RTA) related morbidity. AIMS: To evaluate the persistence of the initial reduction in RTA related spinal injuries following penalty points introduction. METHODS: Retrospective review of all acute spinal trauma admissions to the NSIU between November 1st 1998 and October 31st 2004 (n = 966). Patient demographics and injury aetiology were assessed. Follow-up questionnaires evaluated RTA circumstances. RESULTS: RTA related spinal injuries accounted for 39.3% of NSIU admissions. These injuries were significantly more common in males aged 16-24, drivers (70.8%), on routine journeys (77.5%) and rural roads (48.8%). The highest proportion of accidents occurred during weekends (64.3% from Fri-Sun) and from midnight to 6am (29.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The initial reduction in RTA related spinal injuries has not been sustained. Young male drivers are the greatest at risk group.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0021-1265
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -