Citation

Boglioli LR, Taff ML, Lukash LI. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 1987; 8(3): 185-207.

Affiliation

Nassau County Medical Examiner's Office, East Meadow, New York 11554.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3314479

Abstract

A case of a harness racing accident in which the driver died of head injuries is presented. To evaluate the victim's head injury and corresponding helmet damage, a videotape of the race was reviewed and analyzed. Based on calculations of a simplified trajectory analysis and testing of the helmet, it was determined that the helmet design did not provide adequate protection for the victim. The standards for harness helmet design are being re-evaluated by the harness racing industry to ensure the safety of the drivers. A review of 178 harness racing injuries and deaths, current harness helmet research, and recommendations for safer helmets are discussed. A protocol for the forensic investigation of sports-related injuries and/or deaths is also presented to assist medical examiners in fulfilling their roles as practitioners of preventive medicine.