Pediatric occupant car safety: clinical implications based on recent literature

Abstract

Seat belts and child safety seats can provide effective protection against serious and fatal injuries, but motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) remain a leading cause of death and injury among infants and children. Recent fatalities associated with air bags have intensified awareness of pediatric occupant car safety issues. A review of pediatric literature from 1989 to 1997 summarizes studies on the correct use, incorrect use, and non-use of child safety restraint devices; injuries patterns to children as occupants in MVCs; transporting children with special needs; lethal air bag injuries; and injury prevention educational programs.