Traffic injury prevention
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
On-Scene Injury Severity Prediction (OSISP) Algorithm for Truck Occupants.
The aim of this study is to develop an on-scene injury severity prediction (OSISP) algorithm for truck occupants using only accident characteristics that are feasible to assess at the scene of the accident. The purpose of developing this algorithm is to use it as a basis for a field triage tool used in traffic accidents involving trucks. In addition, the model can be valuable for recognizing important factors for improving triage protocols used in Sweden and possibly in other countries with similar traffic environments and prehospital procedures. ⋯ The OSISP models achieve good discriminating capability for light truck occupants and a reasonable performance for heavy truck occupants. The prediction accuracy may be increased by acquiring more data. Belt use was the strongest predictor of severe injury for both light and heavy truck occupants. There is a need for behavior-based safety programs and/or other means to encourage truck occupants to always wear a seat belt.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
The problem of suspended and revoked drivers who avoid detection at checkpoints.
Although driver license suspension and revocation have been shown to improve traffic safety, suspended or revoked (SR) drivers who continue to drive-which appears to be the majority-are about 3 times more likely to be involved in crashes and to cause a fatal crash. In California and many other U.S. states, drivers are typically mailed notices requesting that they surrender their licenses when they are SR for reasons other than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), yet they frequently do not comply. Typical procedures at DUI checkpoints in California and other U.S. states include inspecting driver licenses and checking for signs of intoxication during brief contacts with law enforcement officers. Hence, these checkpoints are in fact DUI/license checkpoints in California and many other states. The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent to which SR drivers avoid being detected at DUI/license checkpoints for SR driving, because they illegally retained possession of their license cards. ⋯ The fact that many SR drivers are able to pass through DUI/license checkpoints undetected weakens both the specific and general impacts of checkpoints for deterring SR driving and may diminish the effectiveness of suspension and revocation actions for reducing the crash risk posed by problem drivers. Using license card readers that can quickly identify SR drivers in real time during routine traffic stops and at DUI/license checkpoints warrants further consideration.
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This study investigated the prevalence of observable distractions while driving and the effect of drivers' characteristics and time-related variables on their prevalence. ⋯ This work provides further evidence of the relatively high rate of distracted driving in the UK. The findings clearly indicate that younger drivers are more likely to drive distracted, which probably contributes to their higher crash rates.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
Concussion, Diffuse Axonal Injury, and AIS4+ Head Injury in Motor Vehicle Crashes.
This is a descriptive study of the annual incidence of brain injuries in motor vehicle crashes by type, seat belt use, and crash severity (delta V) using national accident data. The risk for concussion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), and severe head injury was determined. ⋯ Concussions occur in about one out of 61 occupants in tow-away crashes. The risk was highest in rollover crashes (4.73 ± 1.09%) and it was reduced 69.2% by seat belt use. Severe brain injuries occurred less often and the risk was also reduced by seat belt use.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
Effect of aging on brain injury prediction in rotational head trauma--a parameter study with a rat finite element model.
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of age-related intracranial changes on the potential outcome of diffuse axonal injuries and acute subdural hematoma under rotational head loading. ⋯ The findings presented in this study suggest that age-specific injury thresholds should be developed to enable the development of superior restraint systems for the elderly. The findings also motivate other further studies on age-dependency of head trauma.