Pilot Study on Construction of a Database for In-depth Analysis of Occupant Injury and Vehicle Damage of Domestic Motor Vehicle Crash Accidents

Kim, Sang Chul; Lee, Kang Hyun; Lee, Won Joon; Choi, Hyung Yun; Kim, Ho Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to suggest methods for construction of a database for in-depth analysis of the relationship between occupant injury and vehicle damage in domestic motor vehicle crash accidents through analysis of real examples of real motor vehicle crash accidents.
METHODS
Among patients who visited the emergency room of three domestic hospitals due to motor vehicle crash accidents from January 2011 to September 2011, we collected data on patients with an ISS (Injury Severity Score) over 16. In addition, we surveyed the cause of the accident, information on vehicles involved in the accident, the type and amount of damage inflicted on the vehicle, and the severity of injury of the patient. Damage to the vehicle was presented using the CDC (Collision Deformation Classification) code by evaluation of photo-images of the damaged vehicle, and a trauma score was used for evaluation of the severity of the patient's injury.
RESULTS
Of 76 cases of motor vehicle accidents, the number of subjects was 87, with an average age of 43.2+/-17.9. Of these, 68(78.2%) subjects were males, 65(74.7%) subjects were drivers, 35(42.2%) subjects had fastened their seat belts, and, in 15(19.7%) cases, the airbag was deployed in the accident. Averages of ISS and RTS (Revised Trauma Score) were 32.3 and 6.6, respectively. Among 45 cases of frontal collision, chest injury was the most common (30,66.7%), and average AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) of chest injury was the highest (3.1+/-0.7). Severity of head injury (AIS 1) and mean ISS by PDoF (Principal Direction of Force) showed a significant difference (p<0.001, p=0.003, respectively), and mean ISS between seat belt users and non-users also differed (23.8 vs. 37.5, p=0.002). In addition, the occupant's mean ISS in vehicles whose airbag was deployed was lower (23.7 vs. 33.9), however, no statistically significant difference was observed (p=0.123).
CONCLUSION
For analysis of the relationship between occupant injury and vehicle damage in domestic motor vehicle crash accidents, construction of an in-depth database through the national surveillance system for motor vehicle traffic accidents is necessary.