Factors associated with the all-terrain vehicle mortality rate in the United States: an analysis of state-level data

Accid Anal Prev. 2008 Mar;40(2):725-32. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2007.09.021. Epub 2007 Oct 8.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to determine and quantify the factors associated with the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) mortality rate in the United States, based on an analysis of state-level data. From 1990 through 1999, there were about 2400 reported deaths in the U.S. involving ATVs. The population-based mortality rate during this time period amounted to about 0.84 deaths per million persons per year, but varied considerably among the 50 states-ranging from a low of 0.09 deaths per million person-years in Rhode Island to a high of 6.33 deaths per million person-years in West Virginia. This variation provides an opportunity for quantifying some of the key factors associated with the ATV mortality risk. The analysis was conducted in a two-stage regression process, with the state mortality rates estimated in the second stage with a negative binomial regression model. The results indicate that the ATV mortality rate was systematically related to ATV usage rates (a measure of risk exposure) and a number of the characteristics of the potential rider pool. These included: the proportion of the state populations that was male, young, lived in rural areas, was college educated, and non-Hispanic white.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / mortality*
  • Accidents, Traffic / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical
  • Mortality / trends
  • Off-Road Motor Vehicles / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Population Surveillance
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • United States