Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Analysis of pediatric all-terrain vehicle trauma data in Middle Tennessee: implications for injury prevention
Purnima Unni1, Stephen E Morrow, Barbara L Shultz
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, and Surgical Services, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA. purnima.unni@Vanderbilt.edu
Insights
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries disproportionately affect rural youth, with low helmet use contributing to severe injuries. Targeted safety training programs are crucial for preventing these common childhood injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Trauma registries provide valuable data for guiding injury prevention strategies.
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries represent a significant public health concern, particularly among children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of ATV injuries is essential for developing effective community interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the nature and distribution of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Middle Tennessee using trauma registry data.
- To identify demographic and injury characteristics associated with ATV-related injuries in pediatric patients.
- To present a community injury prevention initiative informed by the data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma registry data (2007-2009) from a Level I trauma center.
- Inclusion of 163 patients younger than 16 years with ATV-related injuries.
- Examination of demographics, injury severity, helmet use, injury mechanism, and geographic distribution using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Main Results:
- ATV injuries were more common in boys (66%) and older children (10-15 years, 64%).
- Injuries ranged from moderately severe (44%) to severe (30%), with varying mechanisms by age (rollovers vs. ejections).
- Helmet use was low (33%), correlating with fewer head, neck, and face injuries; high-risk counties were targeted for training.
Conclusions:
- Rural youth face a higher risk of ATV injuries compared to urban populations.
- Many young ATV riders lack formal safety training, increasing their risk.
- Community organizations like 4-H can effectively deliver injury prevention outreach and training.
Background:
Trauma registries capture data about injuries that can be used to objectively guide injury prevention initiatives. This article analyzes trauma registry data to describe the nature and distribution of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in Middle Tennessee. A community injury prevention effort, based on this analysis, is also presented.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of data (2007-2009) from the trauma registry of a Level I pediatric trauma center in Middle Tennessee was conducted. Patients younger than 16 years with ATV-related injuries were included in the analysis (n = 163). The key variables examined were demographics, injury severity, helmet use, injury mechanism, length of stay, and patient's county of residence. In addition, Geographic Information Systems software was used to examine the distribution of injuries and graphically represent counties with highest injury rates in the youth population.
Results:
ATV injuries were more prevalent among boys than girls (66% vs. 34%; p < 0.001). Approximately 64% of the ATV injuries were in the age group 10 years to 15 years. Most injuries were either moderately severe (44%) or severe (30%). Injury mechanism varied by age; younger children experienced more rollovers while older children tended to be injured from ejections (p < 0.05). Helmet use was low (33%). Data from this study suggest that helmet use resulted in fewer injuries to the head, neck, and face. Counties with high rates of ATV injuries were targeted for ATV training programs. 4-H agents trained by the ATV Safety Institute provided ATV training classes.
Conclusion:
Rural youth are clearly at greater risk for ATV injuries than urban populations. Young ATV riders are often self-taught and lack the knowledge to ride ATVs safely. Organizations such as the 4-H, provide effective injury prevention outreach.
Level Of Evidence:
Epidemiologic study, level III.
More Related Videos
07:02An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System
Published on: January 12, 2011
11:28A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015