A comparison of injuries sustained from recreational compared to organized motorized vehicle use in children

To examine the injury severity and patterns of injury for pediatric motorized recreational vehicle (MRV) drivers injured during organized events (OE) compared to recreational use (RU).

All pediatric MRV injuries between 2006 and 2012 in our institutional trauma registry were studied for mechanism of injury, initial evaluation, and treatment. Injuries with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥2 were categorized by body region and diagnosis.

Out of 589 collisions, 92 (16%) occurred during an OE. Compared to RU drivers, OE drivers were more likely to wear helmets (92% vs. 40%, p<0.001) and other protective equipment (79% vs. 6%, p<0.001). There was no difference in rates of hospital admission, rates of surgical intervention, injury severity scores, rates of intensive care unit admission, or lengths of stay. There were no differences in injuries by body region or injury type, except that dislocations were more common in OE drivers (2% vs. 0%, p=0.038).

Despite higher rates of helmet and protective gear use, pediatric MRV drivers participating in OEs sustain similarly severe injuries as drivers using MRVs recreationally. No differences were observed in body regions involved or outcomes. Public perception that OE use of MRV for children is safe should be addressed.