Primary Presenter: Kayla Smith, B.S., University of Iowa College of Public Health.
Additional Authors: Maisha Toussaint, MPH; Cori Peek-Asa, MPH PhD; Marizen Ramirez,MPH PhD; University of Iowa College of Public Health.
Learning Objective: To assess the association of environmental, crash, vehicle and occupant characteristics of farm equipment with youth occupants and the probability of injury, given a crash.
Abstract: Operating or riding on farm equipment is a leading cause of farm-related injuries and fatalities among youth. 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. Data from the Departments of Transportation on farm equipment-related crashes across nine Midwestern states from 2005–2010 were used. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression to assess the relationship between these characteristics and the probability of injury, given a crash. A total of 434 farm equipment-related crashes involved 505 youth 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 protective equipment had significantly lower odds of injury than those who did not. Furthermore, occupants on farm equipment that was rear-ended, sideswiped, or impacted while turning had significantly lower odds of injury compared to occupants on farm equipment involved in non-collision crashes or moving straight. Precautions should be taken to limit the use of farm equipment by youth. These findings reiterate the need to enforce policies that improve safety measures for youth exposed to agricultural tasks.
A/V Needed: LCD Projector/Laptop
Presentation, 30 minutes