Adverse motor vehicle crash outcomes in rural locations

Background/Purpose: Motor vehicle crash fatalities are consistently higher in rural locations. Although efforts at crash prevention are likely to be most cost effective, it is also important to consider factors that might affect mortality after an injury has occurred. The primary objective of the study was to validate previous findings from the National Automotive Sampling System – General Estimates System (NASS – GES). Another aim was to examine the factors that play a role in mortality after an individual has been injured in a rural crash. Methods: State level crash data were obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – State Data System (NHTSA-SDS). Logistic regression was used to estimate factors predicting 1) overall risk of death; 2) overall risk of severe injury; and 3) risk of death given severe injury. Models controlled for person, vehicle, crash and location specific variables. Results/Outcomes: Individuals in rural crashes had a significantly increased risk of death, increased risk of injury, and increased risk of death after being severely injured. Increased age, lack of a belt, ejection, high speed, and vehicle damage were also associated with increased risk in all models. Conclusions: Findings from NHTSA-SDS are generally similar to those obtained from NASS-GES. Overall results confirm previous findings that individuals in rural locations are more likely to die given severe injury. Further research is needed to explore post-crash factors that could contribute to this increased risk, such as distance from medical resources.