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[Horse-related accidents 1989-1999]
1Audiologisk afdeling, Centralsygehuset Esbjerg Varde.
Introduction:
A previous estimate has indicated that horse activities in Denmark account for about 5750 non-fatal and 1-2 fatal accidents every year. Many are preventable, as they are caused by carelessness. A description of the accident pattern is important.
Material And Methods:
The European Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (EHLASS) has included data on horse-related accidents since 1989. All 8662 accidents in the period, 1989-1999, were studied. Death certificates from 11 fatal cases during the same period were obtained from the National Board of Health.
Results:
The annual total number of riding accidents remained fairly constant during the period. Nine per cent of the non-fatal and four of the 11 fatal accidents occurred on public roads.
Discussion:
The data suggest that the actual annual number of riding accidents is 8500-8900. It is recommended that the Danish Riding Association initiates a national accident reporting system. This would be an important preventive instrument. Further, better opportunities for riding in rural areas should be created.