In 1996, more than 305,000 children age 14 and under were injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. Children age 4 and under accounted for more than one-fourth of these injuries. The greatest risk factor for motor vehicle occupants is riding unrestrained. Children riding unrestrained have twice the risk of injury and death than those riding restrained. Misuse of child safety seats is widespread.
Rural areas have higher motor vehicle crash death rates than urban areas.
In addition, crashes in rural areas tend to be more severe. Restraint use is lower in rural areas and low-income communities. The inability to purchase child safety seats contributes to a lower usage rate among low-income families. Approximately 2,934 lives were saved by child restraint use during 1982-1995. If all child passengers age 4 and under were restrained, an additional 200 lives could be saved and 20,000 injuries could be prevented annually.