Comparison of risk factors for cervical spine, head, serious, and fatal injury in rollover crashes

Previous epidemiological studies of rollover crashes have focused primarily on serious and fatal injuries in general, while rollover crash testing has focused almost exclusively on cervical spine injury. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the risk factors for cervical spine, head, serious, and fatal injury in real world rollover crashes. Rollover crashes from 1995–2008 in the National Automotive Sampling System‐Crashworthiness Data System (NASS‐CDS) were investigated. A large data set of 6015 raw cases (2.5 million weighted) was generated. Nonparametric univariate analyses, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted. Complete or partial ejection, a lack of seatbelt use, a greater number of roof inversions, and older occupant age significantly increased the risk of all types of injuries studied (p <0.05). Far side seating position increased the risk of fatal, head, and cervical spine injury (p <0.05), but not serious injury in general. Higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of fatal, serious, and cervical spine injury (p <0.05), but not head injury. Greater roof crush was associated with a higher rate of fatal and cervical spine injury (p <0.05). Vehicle type, occupant height, and occupant gender had inconsistent and generally non‐significant effects on injury. This study demonstrates both common and unique risk factors for different types of injuries in rollover crashes.