General Information

What is Data Linkage?

Crash data alone do not indicate the injury problem in terms of the medical and financial consequences. By linking crash, vehicle, and behavior characteristics to their specific medical and financial outcomes, we can identify prevention factors.

How does the process work?

1. Crash and medical data are collected at the crash scene, in route to the emergency department, at the hospital or trauma center, and after discharge.

2. The types of injuries, their severity, and the costs incurred by person injured in motor vehicle crashes are described and computerized.

3. These statewide data are linked and evaluated.

Data Linkage...

•  identifies the types of injuries and the costs which result from specific driver, vehicle, and crash characteristics.

• demonstrates that safety belts prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes and reduce the severity of the injuries which do occur. Drivers who are unbelted average an additional $5,000 in hospital inpatient charges.

• demonstrates that motorcycle helmets are most effective in preventing brain injury and that the average inpatient charge is considerably less for every motorcycle rider who, because of helmet use, does not sustain a brain injury.

• demonstrates the high cost and disability resulting from driving while drinking or running red lights.

• traces victims of motor vehicle crashes through the health care system. These data can be used to monitor the police and EMS emergency response systems.

• results from a process that also improves the quality of state data and promote collaboration between the traffic safety and injury control communities.