The impact of aggressive driving-related injuries in Ohio, 2004–2009

•Medical and financial impact of aggressive driving-related injuries is described.•Probabilistic record linkage was used to link crash and hospital records.•More than 800,000 occupants were involved in aggressive driving-related crashes.•Inpatients accrued $250.8 million in charges and 28,366 days in the hospital.•Increased targeted prevention efforts are needed.

ObjectiveThis study describes the medical and financial impact (hospital charges) of aggressive driving-related injuries in Ohio.MethodsStatewide crash and hospital databases were probabilistically linked for 2004 through 2009. Descriptive analyses and multivariate regression modeling of multiply-imputed data on motor vehicle occupants involved in aggressive driving-related crashes were performed.ResultsThere were 821,136 motor vehicle occupants involved in aggressive driving-related crashes in Ohio from 2004 through 2009; injuries were sustained by 15.0%. The rate of aggressive driving-related crashes was highest among drivers ages 16 to 19 years (3787.1 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers). Aggressive driving-related inpatients accrued more than $250.8 million in hospital charges and 28,366 inpatient days of treatment in 2004 through 2009. Occupants ages 16 to 19 years had higher odds of sustaining injury when involved in aggressive driving-related crashes (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.12; p < 0.001), but lower odds of death, inpatient admission, ISS ≥ 16, and rehabilitation.DiscussionAggressive driving-related injuries have a substantial medical and financial impact in Ohio.Practical ApplicationsCompared with other highway safety issues, prevention efforts aimed specifically at aggressive driving are lacking. Targeted enforcement and public awareness campaigns are needed.