Risks and patterns of serious injury in motor vehicle crashes with pole and car side impacts

Side impact motor vehicle crashes pose a high risk of severe injury, particularly when involving fixed, pole-like objects. Using ten years of NASS‑CDS data, this study compared risks of polytrauma in pole-type versus vehicle-to-vehicle side impacts with injury severity measured by ISS. Multivariable GEE log‑binomial models showed pole impacts significantly increased the risk of severe injury (RR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.15–2.03). Near-side occupants also faced higher risk than far-side occupants (RR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.36–2.44). Findings support improvements in vehicle and roadway design to reduce side‑impact injury severity.