Motor Vehicle Injuries

Motor vehicle–related injuries account for nearly half of all pediatric deaths in the United States. Contributing factors include failure to use proper passenger restraints, inexperienced adolescent drivers, and alcohol. Appropriate restraints include properly installed, rearfacing infant seats for infants 20 pounds (9 kg) and 1 year of age, child restraints for children 1 to 4 years of age, and booster seats with seat belts for children 4 to 7 years of age. The lifesaving benefit of air bags for older children and adults far outweighs their risk. Most pediatric air bag–related fatalities occur when children 12 years of age are in the vehicle’s front seat or are improperly restrained for their age.

For additional information consult the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): http://nhtsa.gov. Look for the Comprehensive Child Passenger Safety Information.
Adolescent drivers are responsible for a disproportionate number of motor vehicle–related injuries; the risk is highest in the first 2 years of driving. Driving with teen passengers and driving at night dramatically increase the risk. Additional risks include not wearing a seat belt, drinking and driving, speeding, and aggressive driving.