Environmental and rider related factors in snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and dirtbike crashes

A retrospective study was conducted of the records of adult trauma patients hospitalized between January 1982 and February 1990. Seventy-eight cases (3%) resulting from snowmobile, all-terrain vehicles and dirtbike collisions were examined. The sample population consisted of 94% males with 62% of all riders under the age of 25 years. For cases where alcohol and helmet use is documented, 53% had a positive blood alcohol level and 44% were reportedly not wearing helmets. Snowmobilers were involved in night crashes 66% of the time. Collision with other vehicles was the most frequent occurrence (40%). Detailed injury data which indicate a predominance of head, chest, and long bone injuries are presented. Although the number of admissions are small, recreational vehicle injuries pose a significant health hazard.