Analysis of motor vehicle crash data in an urban trauma center: Implications for nursing practice and research

Objective: To examine the incidence of risk behaviors (safety restraint use and alcohol use) and demographic characteristics of motor vehicle crash victims. Design: Retrospective, descriptive, correlational. Setting: One major, urban, Level 1 trauma center. Subjects: The medical records of 864 motor vehicle crash victims (drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and motorcycle riders) admitted to the trauma center between July 1, 1989, and June 30, 1990, were reviewed. Results: Eighty-two percent of motor vehicle occupants (403 drivers and passengers) were not wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash. Thirty-six percent of drivers (92) and 42% (47) of pedestrians were intoxicated on admission to the trauma center. Failure to use safety restraints was associated with alcohol use in this population. Subjects who engaged in risk behaviors were predominantly adolescent and young adult males. Conclusions: These data suggest the need for further research into correlates of risk behaviors and interventions to prevent future injury related to these behaviors.