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Snowmobile Injuries in North America
Abstract
The snowmobile was developed to move people and supplies, and for emergencies in regions where heavy snow prohibited the use of conventional vehicles. Today, snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport enjoyed by more than 2 million people of all ages in North America. However, the modern snowmobile can weigh in excess of 600 pounds and travel at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. Each year snowmobile accidents produce approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries. Excess speed, alcohol, driver inexperience, and poor judgment are the leading causes of accidents. Injuries incurred in children and adults often are extremity fractures, but can involve any organ system. Similar to motor vehicle accidents, multisystem trauma occurs frequently with head injury the leading cause of death. Reduction in injury and death rates is urgently needed and can be accomplished through education and legislation.
... Snowmobiles are an increasingly popular form of winter recreation in Canada and the northern United States. Snowmobiles can weigh over 600 pounds, and reach speeds in excess of 90 mph [29]. Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. ...
... Snowmobiles can weigh over 600 pounds, and reach speeds in excess of 90 mph [29]. Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. Only 15% of snowmobile accidents take place on groomed trails, where 80% of riding occurs, whereas 31% occur on roadways [29,30]. ...
... Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. Only 15% of snowmobile accidents take place on groomed trails, where 80% of riding occurs, whereas 31% occur on roadways [29,30]. Head injuries represent 13% to 34% of all snowmobiling injuries, and are the leading cause of snowmobile injury fatalities in both adult and pediatric populations [30][31][32][33][34]. Snowmobile fatalities have a strong male predominance [29]. ...
Winter sports are often associated with high speed, which carries with it the potential for collision. As such, head injuries are among the more commonly encountered injuries in winter-related sporting activities. This article focuses on popular winter sports such as downhill skiing and snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and hockey. In virtually all of these activities, the incidence and severity of head injuries can be reduced by the use of appropriate protective headgear.
... Snowmobiles are an increasingly popular form of winter recreation in Canada and the northern United States. Snowmobiles can weigh over 600 pounds, and reach speeds in excess of 90 mph [29]. Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. ...
... Snowmobiles can weigh over 600 pounds, and reach speeds in excess of 90 mph [29]. Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. Only 15% of snowmobile accidents take place on groomed trails, where 80% of riding occurs, whereas 31% occur on roadways [29,30]. ...
... Each year in North America more than 200 people die from injuries sustained while snowmobiling, and more than 14,000 people present to hospitals with snowmobilerelated injuries [29]. Only 15% of snowmobile accidents take place on groomed trails, where 80% of riding occurs, whereas 31% occur on roadways [29,30]. Head injuries represent 13% to 34% of all snowmobiling injuries, and are the leading cause of snowmobile injury fatalities in both adult and pediatric populations [30][31][32][33][34]. Snowmobile fatalities have a strong male predominance [29]. ...
Winter sports are often associated with high speed, which carries with it the potential for collision. As such, head injuries are among the more commonly encountered injuries in winter-related sporting activities. This article focuses on popular winter sports such as downhill skiing and snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and hockey. In virtually all of these activities, the incidence and severity of head injuries can be reduced by the use of appropriate protective headgear.
... Although the reason for this is unknown, it is potentially in part due to the increased use of terrain parks and jumps by snowboarders, as well as snowboarding specific injury mechanisms [1]. Furthermore, since the modern snowmobiles can weigh in excess of 600 pounds and travel at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour, snowmobiling injuries are associated with high energy mechanisms of injury and reported multisystem trauma requiring hospital admission [2,10]. ...
... [2,25]. Previously defined risk factors for snowmobiling injury include speed, alcohol use and driver experience, with most accidents occurring as result of a driver losing control and rolling over, hitting a fixed object or another vehicle, or falling through ice [10]. ...
Introduction
Participation in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling is associated with risk of musculoskeletal injury. The purpose of our study was to describe and quantify emergency department encounters associated with these sports.
Methods
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for skiing-, snowboarding- and snowmobiling-related injuries from 2009 to 2018. Patient demographics and disposition data were collected from emergency department encounters. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe the trends in injuries from each sport and factors associated with the sports-specific injuries.
Results
From 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 156,353 injuries related to snowboarding, skiing, or snowmobiling. Estimated injury incidence per 100,000 people decreased over time for skiing (3.24–1.23), snowboarding (3.98–1.22,) and snowmobiling (0.71–0.22,). The most common injury location by sport was shoulder for skiing (29.6%), wrist for snowboarding (32.5%) and shoulder for snowmobiling (21.9%), with fractures being the most common diagnosis. Only 4.5% required admission to the hospital. Fracture or dislocation was associated with highest likelihood of hospital admission (OR 42.34; 95% CI 22.59–79.37). Snowmobiling injuries (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.20–2.22) and white race (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.17–1.72) were also both associated with increased risk of hospital admission.
Conclusions
Upper extremity injuries, particularly those involving fractures, were more common than lower extremity injuries for all three sports, with the shoulder being the most common location of injury for skiing and snowmobiling. This study can serve as the foundation for future research in sports safety and health policy to continue the declining trend of musculoskeletal injuries in the future.
Level of evidence
III.
... The majority of the current literature related to snowmobile injuries is focused on demographics, risk factors for injury, and mortality rates. Several studies have corroborated the fact that snowmobile collisions most commonly involve young male drivers and impact with fixed objects 1 3 [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Snowmobile-related accidents in children and adolescents have also been well explored [10][11][12][13]. ...
Purpose:
More than 2 million people in North America use snowmobiles, resulting in an estimated 200 fatalities and 14,000 injuries annually. The purpose of this study is to document the demographics, orthopaedic injury patterns, and short-term outcomes of patients with snowmobile-related injuries.
Materials and methods:
A retrospective review was performed at two regional trauma centres in a region where snowmobile use is prevalent. Patients who sustained snowmobile-related injuries over a 12-year period were identified from the hospitals' trauma registries using E-codes (E820-E820.9). Patient demographics were recorded, as were injury characteristics including rates of substance use, open fractures, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) for the extremities, and mortality. Rates of inpatient surgery, as well as hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), were also recorded.
Results:
We identified 528 patients with snowmobile-related injuries. Average age was 37 years, and 418 patients (79%) were male. Eighty-eight per cent of all patients with snowmobile injuries were admitted to the hospital with an average LOS of 5.7 days. Among those admitted to the hospital, average ISS was 12.3, and 28% of these patients had ISS > 15. A total of 261 patients (56%) suffered extremity injuries (including 163 upper and 173 lower extremity fractures) with an average extremity AIS of 2.4. There were 700 total fractures (1.5 per patient), and 9% of all fractures were open. A total of 208 patients (45%) suffered head injuries, and 132 patients (28%) sustained vertebral column fractures. A total of 201 patients (43%) required inpatient surgery, and eight patients (1.7%) sustained fatal injuries.
Conclusions:
We present a detailed multi-centre analysis of orthopaedic injury patterns and outcomes resulting from snowmobile-related injuries. Patients injured while snowmobiling share similar injury patterns with patients injured in motorcycle and other high-energy motor vehicle accidents.
... A comparison between North American and Scandinavian injury statistics from small rural areas reveals some common denominators in the injury mechanisms and injury contexts. Research from North America and Scandinavia has reported excessive speeding, drivers' lack of experience, poor judgement, drunk driving and night driving as risk factors for accidents [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . The latest updated research from Norway does not summarise data about accidents related to drinking and driving 7 . ...
Introduction:
Snowmobiling among young people in Scandinavia frequently leads to accidents and injuries. Systematic studies of accidents exist, but few studies have addressed young drivers' experiences. The aim of this article is to reveal how young people experience and interpret accidents, and to outline a prevention strategy.
Methods:
Thirty-one girls and 50 boys aged 16-23 years from secondary schools in Northern Norway and on Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, participated in 17 focus groups segregated by gender. A content analysis identified themes addressing the research questions.
Results:
Participants described risk as being inherent to snowmobiling, and claimed that accidents followed from poor risk assessment, careless driving or mishaps. Evaluation of accidents and recommendations for preventive measures varied. Girls acknowledged the risks and wanted knowledge about outdoor life, navigation and external risks. Boys underestimated or downplayed the risks, and wanted knowledge about safety precautions while freeriding. Both genders were aware of how and why accidents occurred, and took precautions. Boys tended to challenge norms in ways that contradict the promotion of safe driving behaviour. Stories of internal justice regarding driving under the influence of alcohol occurred.
Conclusions:
Adolescents are aware of how accidents occur and how to avoid them. Injury prevention strategies should include a general population strategy and a high-risk strategy targeted at extreme risk-seekers. Drivers, snowmobilers' organisations and the community should share local knowledge in an effort to define problem areas, set priorities and develop and implement preventive measures. Risk prevention should include preparation of safe tracks and focus on safety equipment and safe driving behaviour, but should also pay increased attention to the potential of strengthening normative regulation within peer groups regarding driving behaviour and mutual responsibility for preventing accidents.
... Our study assessed individuals according to first presentation and thereby underestimated total rates of recurrence. Our study was based in Canada, which has a higher frequency of snowmobile crashes relative to other industrial countries [47, [75][76][77]. Our study did not control for the distribution of birthdays throughout the year as a potential confounder and there remain opportunities for future research. ...
Background
Off-road vehicles are popular and thrilling for youth outside urban settings, yet sometimes result in a serious crash that requires emergency medical care. The relation between birthdays and the subsequent risk of an off-road vehicle crash is unknown.
Methods
We conducted a population-based before-and-after longitudinal analysis of youth who received emergency medical care in Ontario, Canada, due to an off-road vehicle crash between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2014. We identified youth injured in an off-road vehicle crash through population-based health-care databases of individuals treated for medical emergencies. We included youth aged 19 years or younger, distinguishing juniors (age ≤ 15 years) from juveniles (age ≥ 16 years).
Results
A total 32,777 youths accounted for 35,202 emergencies due to off-road vehicle crashes within six months of their nearest birthday. Comparing the six months following a birthday to the six months prior to a birthday, crashes increased by about 2.7 events per 1000 juniors (18.3 vs 21.0, p < 0.0001). The difference equaled a 15% increase in relative risk (95% confidence interval 12 to 18). The increase extended for months following a birthday, was not observed for traffic crashes due to on-road vehicles, and was partially explained by a lack of helmet wearing. As expected, off-road crash risks did not change significantly following a birthday among juveniles (19.2 vs 19.8, p = 0.61).
Conclusions
Off-road vehicle crashes leading to emergency medical care increase following a birthday in youth below age 16 years. An awareness of this association might inform public health messages, gift-giving practices, age-related parental permissions, and prevention by primary care physicians.
... In a study of snowmobile related injuries in North America it was found that each year there are approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries associated with snowmobile accidents [1] . Understanding the straight-line acceleration and braking performance of snowmobiles is crucial in assessing many snowmobile accidents. ...
There are limited scientific data available on the acceleration and braking performance of modern snowmobiles. In this study we investigated the acceleration and deceleration characteristics of four modern snowmobiles of varying engine size (500 to 1000 cc) and style (2-stroke and 4-stroke) on groomed/packed snow conditions. The acceleration tests were performed at quarter, half and full throttle. The deceleration tests were performed using full braking with locked tracks and rolldown with power both on and off. Target test speeds ranged from 20 to 60 km/h. Snow condition parameters were measured throughout the tests. The results of the acceleration tests showed that at higher speeds, higher horsepower rating generally corresponds to higher acceleration rates, with a maximum observed average acceleration of 0.70g. The results of the full braking deceleration tests found no significant difference between snowmobiles or test speed, with the range of deceleration rates ranging from 0.32 to 0.42g. Rolldown tests showed that deceleration increases with speed and that there is no significant difference between rolldown deceleration in the power on and power off conditions. These test results will allow accident reconstructionists to better quantify vehicle speeds in snowmobile incidents in similar snow conditions.
... Today, snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport enjoyed by more than 2 million people of all ages in North America." (Pierz, 2003) "Most snowmobiles are used for recreation and a few for logging, reindeer breeding, police and customs duties." (Bauer, 1979) Snowmobiling has gained in popularity as both an individual and family sport. ...
... Taking into account the documented healthcare costs of ATVing, which are substantial compared to any other recreational activity with the possible exception of snowmobiling (Pierz, 2003), and considering the environmental and atmospheric damage that is extensive and the growing evidence of social disruption, OHVing and particularly ATVing might be more responsibly seen as the new 'smoking' by health promotion and protection professionals. Even if the physiological demand of ATVing was substantially higher than that assessed in this study; the OHV health benefits study critique 141 by guest on January 13, 2016 http://heapro.oxfordjournals.org/ ...
Recently, a study by Burr and his associates culminating in three peer reviewed journal articles and a string of press releases
emanating from the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry claimed that increasing riding time on all terrain recreational vehicles
(ATVs) and off road motorcycles (ORMs) could meet the basic guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine and Health
Canada for sufficient physical activity leading to positive health adaptations. Should this be true, this study could revolutionize
the way that health professionals prescribe physical activity. To examine the efficacy of these claims, the authors convened
an expert panel to examine these publications to particularly focus on the problem conceptualization, the research methodology
including sample selection and controls, the presentation and interpretation of results and the veracity of their conclusions.
The experts concluded, while never questioning the laboratory and field measurements, that there were a number of conceptual,
methodological and interpretive limitations and errors that rendered the claims of health benefits indefensible. Furthermore,
the researchers largely failed to take account of the healthcare costs associated with riding OHVs which according to the
epidemiology literature, and particularly for ATVs, are considerable.
The global climate is changing, with rising surface temperatures, melting ice and snow, rising sea levels, and increasing climate variability.
What is the role of snow in human life? What are the characteristics of snow? What are the consequences of snow?
In this research, Biblical verses dealing with snow are described. Therefore, the research deals with the characteristics of snow, the contaminants, the health effects, and the adverse reactions.
The Bible gives a precise description of the snow. Over the years humans have recognized the many positive health effects of snow but some adverse side effects can be experienced. Nevertheless, the positive effects of snow should be recognized and handled appropriately.
Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPI) are devastating lesions that affect function and daily living activities and also have a substantial social, economic, and psychological impact, creating lifelong disabilities. Epidemiological studies of BPI are critical for addressing the magnitude of the problem and determining the characteristics of the affected individuals in order to create prevention plans and treatment. BPI are not common; the estimated annual incidence of BPI in the general population lies between 0.17/100,000/year and 1.6/100,000/year. Traumatic brachial plexus injuries occur more frequently in young male patients, and most are closed lesions caused by road traffic accidents (motorcycles) involving the supraclavicular plexus. Open lacerations and gunshot wounds are less common among civilian populations.
Background
Snowmobiling is a popular activity that leads to geriatric trauma admissions; however, this unique trauma population is not well characterized. We aimed to compare the injury burden and outcomes for geriatric versus nongeriatric adults injured riding snowmobiles.
Materials and methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Trauma Databank comparing nongeriatric (18-64) and geriatric adults (≥65) presenting after snowmobile-related trauma at level 1 and 2 trauma centers from 2011 to 2015. Demographic, admission, injury, and outcome data were collected and compared. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed for risk factors associated with severe injury (Injury Severity Score >15). Analysis was also performed using chi square, analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis testing.
Results
A total of 2471 adult patients with snowmobile trauma were identified; 122 (4.9%) were geriatric. Rates of severe injury (Injury Severity Score >15) were similar between groups, 27.5% in geriatric patients and 22.5% in nongeriatric adults (P = 0.2). Geriatric patients experienced higher rates of lower extremity injury (50.4 versus 40.3%, P = 0.03), neck injury (4.1 versus 1.4%, P = 0.02), and severe spine injury (20.6 versus 7.0%, P = 0.004). Geriatric patients had longer hospitalizations (5 versus 3 d, P < 0.0001), rates of discharge to a facility (36.8% versus 12%, P < 0.0001), and higher mortality (4.1 versus 0.6%, P < 0.0001). Geriatric age did not independently increase the risk for severe injury.
Conclusions
Geriatric age was not a significant predictor of severe injury after snowmobile trauma; however, geriatric patients suffered unique injuries, had longer hospitalizations, had higher rates of discharge to a facility, and had higher mortality. Tailored geriatric care may improve outcomes in this unique sport-related trauma population.
From dirt bikes and jet skis to weed wackers and snowblowers, machines powered by small gas engines have become a permanent-and loud-fixture in American culture. But fifty years of high-speed fun and pristine lawns have not come without cost. In the first comprehensive history of the small-bore engine and the technology it powers, Paul R. Josephson explores the political, environmental, and public health issues surrounding one of America's most dangerous pastimes. Each chapter tells the story of an ecosystem within the United States and the devices that wreak havoc on it-personal watercraft (PWCs) on inland lakes and rivers; all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in deserts and forests; lawn mowers and leaf blowers in suburbia. In addition to environmental impacts, Josephson discusses the development and promotion of these technologies, the legal and regulatory efforts made to improve their safety and environmental soundness, and the role of owners' clubs in encouraging responsible operation. Synthesizing information from medical journals, recent environmental research, nongovernmental organizations, and manufacturers, Josephson's compelling history leads to one irrefutable conclusion: these machines cannot be operated without loss of life and loss of habitat. © 2007 The Johns Hopkins University Press. All rights reserved.
Purpose of review: Articles in this survey were selected for clinical relevance, quality, controversy, or because they appeared in groups that could present, a useful theme and comparison. This review looks specifically at studies that address injury prevention and the types of injuries that an orthopaedic surgeon may see in clinical practice. Recent findings: An excellent series of articles appeared this year that discussed the severe nature of injuries related to use of high-energy devices, including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, power lawnmowers, trampolines, and motor vehicles. Certainly, young children should never be allowed to operate these devices. All involve a high-energy injury mechanism in a child who is not developmentally prepared to use these machines safely. Sporting injuries have specific characteristics that, through an organized approach, may be reduced in prevalence and severity. Other topics of interest in this review include outcome studies of olecranon fractures that show good long-term results for isolated injuries with reasonable articular restoration, a more specific description of the different types of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality, and an excellent protocol for use of cervical MRI in the child who may have sustained a spine injury. Summary: The thoughtful orthopaedic surgeon can make a difference in prevention, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of these conditions.
Serious snowmobile injuries are preventable and associated with late-night travel, alcohol use, and speed. We studied the effectiveness of a community-based policing (STOP) program in the prevention of serious injuries related to snowmobile trauma in Sudbury, Ontario. Volunteers were trained in police protocol and were appointed special constables to increase policing on snowmobile trails from 1993-95. Snowmobile admissions and deaths in Sudbury were examined; the pre- (1990-1992) and post- (1993-1995) STOP seasons were compared. In the pre-STOP period, 102 injuries, 87 admissions, and 15 deaths occurred compared to 57 injuries (p = 0.0004), 53 admissions (p = 0.00001) and 4 deaths (p = 0.13) in the post-STOP period. All other event and demographic features of the crashes remained similar. Significant economic savings were realized from this intervention; acute care costs savings exceeded $70,000/year and costs from death decreased by $5 million. An intervention involving enforcement on snowmobile trails can reduce the incidence of injuries from snowmobile-related trauma.
Records of 88 patients with snowmobile injuries from 1977 to 1987 were reviewed to identify the types of trauma. Data collected included age, sex, method and degree of injury, use of safety attire, and risk factors. There were 77 males and 11 females. Seventeen (19.3%) were children under the age of 16. Poor driving judgment involved in the hitting of obstacles led to the majority of injuries. There were 106 fractures in 71 patients. Eighteen patients (25%) had more than one fracture. Eleven patients had loss of consciousness. Eighty-eight other injuries resulted for a total of 205 injuries. There were three fatalities. Results indicate that inexperience, prior use of alcohol, driver carelessness, excessive speed, and poor adherence to manufacturer recommendations were the leading contributors to the accidents.
Two hundred and thirty-three children who had musculoskeletal injuries related to the use of off-road vehicles were admitted to acute-care hospitals in the two largest urban centers in Manitoba between April 1979 and August 1986. There were 190 boys and forty-three girls, and the ages ranged from two to seventeen years. Ninety-three accidents involved the use of a minibike or dirtbike; seventy-two, a snowmobile; fifty-nine, a three-wheeled all-terrain vehicle; and nine, a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The injuries in 73 per cent of the children occurred in a rural setting. The use of alcohol or a drug was recorded for only three children. Loss of control of the vehicle led to the majority of injuries. There were 352 fractures of an extremity or the spine and fifty-one major soft-tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system; 186 (53 per cent) of the fractures were displaced, 107 (46 per cent) of the patients had more than one fracture, and thirty-four (10 per cent) of the fractures were open. There were sixty growth-plate injuries. A total of 186 associated injuries were present in ninety-one patients. In a separate review of the records of the Chief Medical Examiner, it was noted that twenty-one fatal accidents that were related to the use of off-road vehicles occurred in the Province of Manitoba during the same period of time.
The charts of 310 consecutive patients with snowmobile injuries admitted to Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, Newfoundland, during the years 1969 through 1986 were reviewed in order to determine the causes and possible ways of prevention of these injuries. There were 237 males and 73 females. Most patients were less than 30 years of age (73%). Drivers represented 57% of the injured. Falling off the machine and collisions were responsible for 60% of the injuries; 3.0% were due to mechanical failure of the snowmobile. The lower limbs and head and neck regions were most commonly affected (42.6 and 27.6%, respectively); less than 10% of the patients were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. We conclude that the human factor was responsible for the majority of the injuries. We recommend enforcement of legislation, intensification of public education about the hazards of driving snowmobiles, and modifications in the design of the engine, especially to provide increased protection for the lower limbs.
To evaluate risk factors for snowmobile injury and patterns of injury.
We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with snowmobile injury at three trauma centers. Data were collected from trauma databases and patients charts from January 1988 through April 1996; we obtained statistics from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for comparison purposes.
There were 274 patients identified. The average age was 29 years (SD 12, range 1.6-77). The male:female ratio was 6.6:1. Helmets were used in 35%, not used in 10%, and not reported in 55%. Ethanol consumption was reported in 44% of patients. The average speed of the snowmobile at the time of the accident, when reported, was 47 mph/75 kph (n = 103, range 10-100 mph/16-166 kph). Of these patients, 26% (n = 27) reported a speed in excess of the legal limit (55 mph/88 kph). Accidents were more common in the afternoon and evening hours, and most accidents were caused by the snowmobile striking terrain or man-made objects. Mortality rate was 3.6% for this patient group (10 of 274). The average injury severity score (ISS) was 15 (SD 11). The average Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 14. The average number of patients who went to the intensive care unit and the total lengths of stay were 2 +/- 5 and 8 +/- 9 days, respectively. Neither GCS nor ISS correlated with reported speed. The frequencies of different types of injuries are as follows: fractures of upper and lower extremities (n = 184), serious head injury (n = 92), facial fractures or soft tissue injury to head or neck (n = 88), thoracic injury (n = 80), spine injuries (n = 50), intraabdominal injuries (n = 41), and pelvic fractures (n = 31).
Snowmobile injuries are related to ethanol use and the high speed attained by the newer generation of snowmobiles. Extremity fractures were a common component of snowmobile injury in this series, and rates of such injuries are similar to rates injuries in motorcycle accidents in states with helmet laws. Efforts at prevention of snowmobile injuries should be targeted at rider education and enforcement of alcohol restrictions.
Snowmobiling is a popular family sport, with annual expenditures over $9 billion. The size and speed of snowmobiles make them potentially dangerous to children. Pediatric snowmobile-related trauma has not been studied in the United States.
We analyzed 291 pediatric snowmobile- related injuries and 75 deaths reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1990 to 1998. We reviewed snowmobile legislation in the states that reported at least 1 death to the Consumer Product Safety Commission during this time period.
The most common sites of injury were the extremities (48.8%) and the head, neck, and face (28.2%). Head and neck injuries were the predominant cause of death (66.7%). The most common diagnosis was contusion/abrasion (30.9%), followed by laceration (22%), fracture (20.3%), and strain/sprain (14.4%). Nonfatal injuries most often involved ejection from the snowmobile (26.1%), but striking a stationary object was the most common mechanism in fatal crashes. The review of state legislation revealed that few age restrictions or helmet laws exist. Children as young as 8 years old may legally operate a snowmobile in some states. Often, restrictions do not apply to snowmobile use on private property, where 43% of pediatric snowmobile-related injuries occurred.
Head, neck, and face injuries are common nonfatal injuries and are the most common cause of death. State legislation often lacks age restrictions on private property, and laws requiring helmet use are rare. Legislators have not addressed the dangers of pediatric snowmobile-related injuries. Helmet laws and age restrictions similar to those enacted for motorcycle riders are necessary and appropriate.