Patterns in deer-related traffic injuries over a decade: the Mayo clinic experience

Smoot Dustin, L; Zielinski Martin, D; Cullinane Daniel, C; Jenkins Donald, H; Schiller Henry, J; Sawyer Mark, D · 2010 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-18-46

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Summary

This study investigates injury patterns associated with deer-related motor vehicle crashes (dMVC) in a rural setting, specifically comparing outcomes between automobile crashes (MVC) and motorcycle/all-terrain vehicle crashes (MCC). Motivated by the rising incidence of dMVC in Minnesota due to expanding deer herds and habitat encroachment, the authors aimed to characterize injury severity and determine if crash mechanisms (swerving versus colliding) or safety equipment usage (helmets, seat belts) significantly influenced outcomes. The researchers hypothesized that MCC would present with higher Injury Severity Scores (ISS) and that swerving would result in different injury patterns compared to direct collisions. The researchers conducted a retrospective review of 157 consecutive patients treated at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Rochester, Minnesota, between January 1997 and December 2006. Data were abstracted from a prospectively collected trauma database, excluding crashes involving animals other than deer. The study analyzed demographic, clinical, and crash-specific parameters, utilizing the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) for specific body regions and the overall ISS to quantify injury severity. Statistical analyses included bivariate analysis of categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables. The results indicated that motorcycle crashes presented with a significantly higher median ISS (14) compared to automobile crashes (5). While motorcycle operators were more likely to collide directly with the deer (92%), automobile drivers were more likely to swerve (75%). Contrary to the hypothesis, there was no significant difference in median ISS between swerving and colliding in either vehicle type. However, MCC riders who swerved suffered significantly higher spine AIS scores (3 vs. 0) compared to those who collided. Helmet use did not significantly affect median ISS, head AIS, or spine AIS, despite 77% of motorcycle riders being unhelmeted. Similarly, seat belt usage in MVCs did not significantly alter injury severity. Alcohol intoxication was present in 31 crashes but did not significantly change median ISS compared to sober drivers. Two deaths occurred, both in the MVC group. The study concludes that while motorcycle operators sustain more severe injuries overall, the specific maneuver of swerving versus hitting the deer does not significantly impact overall injury severity for either vehicle type. The findings challenge previous literature suggesting helmets significantly reduce injury severity in this specific context, though the authors note limitations in sample size. The research highlights dMVC as a serious clinical and financial burden, with national costs exceeding $1 billion annually. The authors suggest that increased driver vigilance during peak hours and seasons, along with continued public education and potential herd control measures, are necessary to mitigate these injuries, as structural roadway changes remain costly and their efficacy is debated.

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• helmet protective