In a previous study it was noted that there was a higher incidence of lower extremity fractures among women drivers. Analyses were based on a linkage between trauma registry and police crash report data. The present study addresses the issue of whether the differences noted are attributed to driver gender or are merely a reflection of differences in driver height.

An inverse association was noted between driver height and the incidence of lower extremity fractures. Those with less than average height (5'7") for this population had a 64% increase in lower extremity fracture which can be mainly attributed to ankle/tarsal injuries. Thus, the incidence of these injuries appears to be a function of driver height, with an increase among shorter drivers, most of whom are women.