Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES): A potential tool for evaluation of work-related motor vehicle crashes

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the use of the Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) to more accurately describe contributing factors to work-related motor vehicle crashes. Methods: Police crash reports were probabilistically linked to emergency department and hospital inpatient data for the period of 1999-2005 in Utah. Frequencies were calculated and differences in proportions between workers and non-workers were evaluated using the chi-square test. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multiple logistic regression. Results: Of the drivers in crashes going to the emergency department, 3.2% (n = 2,330) were working at the time of the crash. Vehicle type, road surface, light, weather, and highway driving status each was significantly associated with emergency department visit attendance and hospital admittance and death among drivers in crashes. Workers compared with non-workers involved in a crash who visited the emergency department were significantly more likely to drive a pickup truck or vehicle other than a passenger car (e.g., moving truck, bus, or ambulance), have the crash occur while driving in daylight hours and while driving on the highway. Among drivers in accidents who contributed to the crash, workers showed a significantly higher (P < 0.003) frequency than non-workers of broken bones or bleeding wounds (31.5% vs. 27.6%), and fatality (2.6% vs. 1.9%). Conclusion: With CODES, applicable variables identify factors leading to work-related motor vehicle crashes. This study begins to demonstrate the use of available variables in CODES.