Comparison of survival outcomes and anatomically specific severe injuries following traffic accidents among occupants of standard and K-car vehicles: A retrospective cohort study at a teaching hospital in Japan.

ABSTRACT: Road traffic accidents are a global health concern. K-car vehicles, also known as "mini vehicles," are defined as those having an engine displacement <660 cc, vehicle length <3.4 m, width <1.48 m, and height <2.0 m. K-cars have become increasing popular not only in Japan but also in other countries. Compared with standard vehicles, the occupant space of a K-car vehicle is considerably smaller; thus, passengers may be more vulnerable to the external forces generated in a collision, which in turn can lead to deformation of the occupant space and less protection against injuries. However, data are scarce regarding whether K-car vehicles are related to poorer survival outcomes and severe trauma. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients who were injured in four-wheeled vehic

SUBMITTER: Ono Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11798441 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature