Injuries sustained in noncombat motor vehicle accidents during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Objective: To examine injuries sustained in noncombat motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) during Operation Iraqi Freedom by injury type, site, and severity.

Methods: Three hundred and forty-eight military personnel injured in noncombat MVAs from March 2004-June 2007 were identified from clinical records completed near the point of injury.

Results: On average, personnel suffered two injuries per accident. The most frequent MVA mechanism was non-collision due to loss of control (30%). Overall, 16% were injured in a collision accident and 19% in a rollover accident. Rollovers were associated with more severe injuries. A greater proportion of drivers sustained head/neck/face injuries, whereas gunners and pedestrians had higher percents of extremity injuries.

Conclusions: This analysis provides a thorough overview of injuries incurred in nonbattle MVAs in the combat environment. Future research should combine injury data with accident reports to elucidate areas for improvements in vehicle safety.