Background Driving at night is considered a risk factor for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes and injuries but few studies have addressed this issue. Our objective was to compare daytime and nighttime ATV crashes to better understand the potential risk factors associated with riding at night. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on Iowa ATV-related crashes and injuries from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2019 using four statewide datasets: the Iowa Department of Transportation (2002–2019), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2002–2019), the Iowa State Trauma Registry (2002–2018) and Iowa newspaper clippings (2009–2019). A standardized coding system was developed, and matching records were identified using Link Plus®. Descriptive (frequencies) and bivariate (chi-square, Fisher's exact test) analyses were performed using VassarStats (Statistical Computation Website). Results Among crash victims where light conditions were documented (2125/3752, 57%), about one-quarter (485/2125, 23%) were injured at night. Nighttime crash victims were less likely youth (14% vs. 30%, p < 0.0001), less likely to be wearing helmets (11% vs. 18%, p = 0.003), and less frequently involved in motor vehicle crashes (7% vs. 14%, p < 0.0001) as compared to daytime victims. Nighttime victims were also more likely to be passengers (22% vs. 15%, p = 0.002), to test positive for alcohol (44% vs. 13% in adults, p < 0.0001), and to be injured on a roadway (53% vs. 45%, p = 0.007) and on weekends (76% vs. 63%, p < 0.0001). Numerous differences between daytime and nighttime characteristics were observed for males, females, and adults, whereas most characteristics were similar for youth. The severity of injuries and proportion of fatalities were similar among daytime and nighttime crash victims. Conclusions Nighttime crash victims, particularly adults, were characterized by more frequent risky behaviors like carrying passengers, roadway riding, alcohol use, and lack of helmets. Whereas the frequency of risky behaviors among youth was similar for daytime and nighttime crashes, these behaviors put children at potential risk for injury. Multi-factorial, targeted injury prevention strategies are needed, including improved vehicle design, education about the dangers of nighttime operation, and passage and enforcement of ATV safety laws. Particularly relevant to our study are laws that prohibit nighttime riding.
over half (51%) stated the they were stored unlocked, 29% stated they were stored loaded, and 17% stated they were stored both unlocked and loaded at least some of the time. For those who reported there were rifles/shotguns unlocked at least part of the time in their home (51%), almost one-half (46%) also had ammunition that was stored unlocked. Higher proportions living on a farm > country/not farm > town reported having rifles/shotguns not properly stored (p¼0.019). Of those with handguns in their home, over two-fifths (43%) stated they were stored unlocked, two-fifths (40%) said they were stored loaded, and about a quarter (24%) reported they were stored both unlocked and loaded at least some of the time. For those who reported there were handguns unlocked at least part of the time in their home (43%), 38% also had ammunition that was stored unlocked. Of those who were aware of how both rifles/shotguns and handguns were stored in the home, 82% reported that they had at least one firearm stored either unlocked or loaded at least some of the time. Conclusion: The vast majority of Iowa FFA members have firearms in their home and a large proportion of them are not stored safely. This puts these adolescents at increased risk for firearm-related suicide. Widespread efforts are needed to educate rural families regarding the importance of proper storage of firearms and ammunition.
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