Increased all-terrain vehicle crash accidents in older riders.

OBJECTIVE Recent reports on all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents cite high injury and death rates, disproportionately affecting younger riders. We sought to determine whether serious injuries at a level 1 trauma center have increased among older riders. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the trauma registry, 300 ATV accidents from March 1, 1997 through March 30, 2007 were identified. A total of 250 patients admitted over the last six years (2001 through 2007) were stratified into earlier and later three-year time periods and by age groups. A Student t test was used for continuous variables and a chi-square for categorical variables. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS During the last three years, ATV injury admissions (all ages) increased by 78% (P = 0.003). Pediatric ATV admissions (<age 16) were significantly decreased (P = 0.02). ATV accidents in riders over age 50 increased significantly over time (P = 0.04). There were four deaths under age 16 and three deaths over age 50. Patients over age 50 had more severe and frequent thoracic injuries and used more hospital resources. CONCLUSION ATV accidents with severe injuries have increased dramatically at our trauma center and include increased numbers of older riders. Riders over age 50 are generally not identified as a subset of the population vulnerable to such incidents. Preventive efforts should include older riders.