Injury Prevention and Recreational All-Terrain Vehicle Use: The Impact of Helmet Use in West Virginia | WV Medical Journal

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular source of outdoor activity in the United States, particularly in West Virginia. During the period of time from 1999 to 2007, deaths associated with ATVs in West Virginia increased by 28%. Helmet use among bicycle and motorcycle riders has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality following trauma. The findings of this study from the WV Medical Journal support previous studies documenting that helmet use is protective against intracranial injury and other injuries of the head and neck. ATV use continues to be a significant contribution to trauma morbidity and mortality in West Virginia. Efforts that focus on increased helmet use have the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality following ATV trauma. Enforcement of the current West Virginia ATV Law should be encouraged. Legislation expanding the mandatory use of safety equipment and rider training should be enacted in West Virginia.

Click here to read the full article (free)