| Institution: | 1. Spectrum Health/Michigan State University General Surgery Residency, 221 Michigan NE, Suite 402, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA;2. Spectrum Health/Michigan State University Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, USA;3. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, USA;4. Spectrum Health, OME Scholarly Activity Support, Michigan State University Department of Surgery, USA;5. Spectrum Health, OME Scholarly Activity Support, USA;6. Spectrum Health Hospital, Acute Care Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, USA;7. Spectrum Health Hospital, Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, USA;8. Office of the Medical Examiner- Kent County, MI, USA;9. Spectrum Health Hospital, Acute Care Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 221 Michigan NE, Suite 402, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA |
| Abstract: | BackgroundImmediately fatal motorcycle crashes have not been well characterized. This study catalogues injuries sustained in fatal motorcycle crashes and assesses the impact of crash conditions on injury patterns.MethodsAutopsy records from the office of the medical examiner of Kent County, MI and publicly available traffic reports were queried for information pertaining to motorcyclists declared dead on-scene between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016.ResultsA total of 71 autopsies of on-scene motorcycle crash fatalities were identified. The two most prevalent injuries were traumatic brain injury (TBI) (85%) and rib fractures (79%). The majority of fatalities occurred in daylight hours (54.3%) and in a 55 mph speed limit zone (63.8%).ConclusionsThis study provides a catalogue of the injuries sustained in immediately fatal motorcycle crashes and the associated conditions. Advocacy efforts that highlight the risks associated with motorcycle riding and that promote safe riding practices are warranted. |
