J Am Acad Orthop Sur
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J Am Acad Orthop Sur · Jun 2013
ReviewAutomobile safety in children: a review of North American evidence and recommendations.
In the United States, the rate of vehicle occupant deaths in children aged 1 to 3 years has decreased by over 50% in the past three decades. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 17 years. Parental compliance with child safety seats is poor, with up to 99% of children in certain age groups improperly restrained. ⋯ Legislation and public service campaigns can increase awareness regarding appropriate use of automobile restraint systems to decrease pediatric injury and fatality rates. Fluency and awareness, rather than cost, have been found to be the main reasons for improper use of automobile restraint systems; appropriately targeted education programs should continue to be developed. Physicians are optimally poised to educate patients and parents about automobile safety.