Morbidity and mortality of children following motor vehicle crashes.

Abstract

TRAUMA IS the leading cause of death in the United States for persons younger than 40 years.¹ In 2000, there were more than 41 000 traffic-related deaths. Children were involved in 6% of all traffic-related deaths. More than 150 000 children were injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in 2000.² Motor vehicle–related deaths are the largest component of childhood injury–related deaths.³ The data are clear that seat belts and child safety seats reduce the risk of death and injury to children involved in motor vehicle crashes. Safety seats can reduce the risk of death by 50% to 70%,⁴ while seat belts can reduce the risk of death by 45% to 60%. Wearing a seat belt can also reduce the severity of injury.⁵