Accident; analysis and prevention
-
Motor vehicle (MV)-related injury is a leading cause of death and emergency department visits in the US. Information has been limited regarding the magnitude and types of injuries suffered by the survivors of MV crashes. ⋯ Neck strain/sprain is the most common type of injury to MV occupants treated in US hospital emergency departments. Based on emergency department visits, these estimates suggest that the problem of neck injury may be larger than has been previously demonstrated using other surveillance tools. Further research is needed to determine contributory factors and prevention measures to reduce the risk of neck injury among MV occupants especially among those at higher risk such as females, older teenagers and young adults.