Risky Riding: Former Congressman Dies in ATV Accident
Robert Latkany, MDApril 20, 2009
Former Utah congressman Bill Orton died Saturday afternoon after his all terrain vehicle (ATV) flipped over while riding in the Little Sahara Sand Dunes. He was 60 years old. There is no denying that it is fun and exciting to drive around in an ATV, but are the risks too high?
A review of the National Trauma Data Bank from 1989 to 2003 by Deladisma et al revealed that age over 60 is an independent predictor for mortality among ATV trauma cases. Testerman also found similar findings: persons over age 50 years who were injured in ATV accidents were more likely to suffer severe and more frequent chest injuries compared to younger riders.
When evaluating deaths from ATV accidents in those over the age of 65, Helmkamp and colleague found a higher likelihood of upper and lower trunk injuries (62%) compared to head or neck injuries (28%) and mortality rates doubled from 2005 to 2007 suggesting the need for improved safety and training for older ATV drivers. Bowman et al showed that ATV riders not wearing helmets were more likely to suffer head and neck injuries compared to unhelmeted riders.
The details of the cause of Mr Orton’s death have yet to be disclosed, but he was wearing a helmet.
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