Injuries to deployed U.S. Army soldiers involved in HMMWV crashes, 2002-2006

Highly mobile multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) crashes present an important issue for the U.S. military. The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of occupants of military motor vehicle (MMV) crashes involving HMMWVs that occurred among deployed U.S. Army Soldiers. Crash-related data were collected from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center on MMV crashes among active duty Army personnel between 1999 and 2006. Records for 964 occupants with injuries from HMMWV crashes were analyzed, which represented 52% of the total occupants of MMV crashes. A significant association was observed between injury and engagement in combat, odds ratio 1.49 (1.03, 2.16). The risk of injury was greatest for gunners, odds ratio 2.37 (1.43, 3.92), and injury cost related to the crash was significantly related to prior deployment status (p < 0.001) and role of Soldier in the vehicle (Operator p = 0.005, Gunner p = 0.003). There was also a decrease over time in the number of crashes resulting in injury (p < 0.001). These data support the development of interventions that address the specific risks detailed, including the use of combat simulation training, increased protection for vulnerable positions, and enforcement of safety regulations.