earticle

영어

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to head injuries among drivers of personal mobility devices and provide insights into safety perceptions. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data of 221 trauma patients obtained from electronic medical records and the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) over one year, from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. The patients, all in their 20s and 30s, presented to a single emergency medical center following personal mobility device accidents (motorcycles, electric scooters, and bicycles). Results: Among motorcycle riders, 18.2% were not wearing helmets, while the percentage of e-scooter riders not wearing helmets was 87.5%. Wearing a helmet was associated with a 71.2% lower likelihood of head injuries (OR=0.288, CI=0.163 to 0.509, p=0.000). Of the personal mobility devices, motorcycles had a 0.431 times lower odds ratio for head injury compared to e-scooters (p=0.009), and there was no significant difference between e-scooters and bicycles (p=0.776). Conclusion: It is imperative to strengthen safety regulations by mandating helmet use for riders of personal mobility devices. A system to enhance driving enforcement for electric scooters, which are increasingly popular among young adults, should also be established.