Citation

Toussaint M, Faust K, Peek-Asa CL, Ramirez M. J. Rural Health 2015; 33(2): 127-134.

Affiliation

University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, National Rural Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jrh.12162

PMID

26633235

Abstract

PURPOSE: Operating or riding on farm equipment is one of the leading causes of farm-related injuries and fatalities among children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to examine environment, crash, vehicle, and occupant characteristics and the probability of injury, given a crash, in youth under age 18 on farm equipment.

METHOD: Data from the Departments of Transportation on farm equipment-related crashes across 9 Midwestern states from 2005-2010 were used. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression to assess the relationship between environment, crash, vehicle, and occupant characteristics and the probability of injury, given a crash.

FINDINGS: A total of 434 farm equipment-related crashes involved 505 child or adolescent occupants on farm equipment: 198 passengers and 307 operators. Passengers of farm equipment had 4.1 higher odds of injury than operators. Occupants who used restraints had significantly lower odds of injury than those who did not. Furthermore, occupants on farm equipment that was rear-ended or sideswiped had significantly lower odds of injury compared to occupants on farm equipment involved in noncollision crashes. Likewise, occupants on farm equipment that was impacted while turning had significantly lower odds of injury compared to those on equipment that was impacted while moving straight.

CONCLUSION: Precautions should be taken to limit or restrict youth from riding on or operating farm equipment. These findings reiterate the need to enforce policies that improve safety measures for youth involved in or exposed to agricultural tasks.

Language: en