Potential crash health outcomes for protected and unprotected motorcycle riders

Background: Little is known about the contribution of protective clothing worn in motorcycle crashes to subsequent health-related outcomes, impairment and quality of life. Methods: A prospective cohort of 212 adult motorcyclists were recruited following presentations to hospitals or crash repair services in a defined geographic area in Australia between June 2008 and July 2009. Data was obtained from participant interviews and medical records at baseline, then by mailed survey two and six months post-crash (n=146, 69%). The exposure factor was usage of protective clothing classified as full protection (motorcycle jacket and pants), partial protection (motorcycle jacket) and unprotected (neither). Outcomes of interest included general health status (Short Form SF-36), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire) treatment and recovery progress, quality of life and return to work in the six months post-crash. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated for categorical outcomes using multiple logistic regression to assess differences in outcomes associated with levels of protection adjusted for potential confounders including age, sex, occupation, speed and type of impact. Non-parametric procedures were used for data that was not normally distributed. Results: Compared to unprotected riders, protected riders were less likely to be injured, had fewer days in hospital, reported less pain immediately post-crash; and were more likely to be fully recovered and returned to pre-crash work than unprotected riders. Conclusions: Strong associations were evident between use of protective clothing and prevention or reduction of the severity of injury and post-crash health outcomes. The evidence suggests that the use of protective clothing will confer significant benefits to riders in the event of a crash.