In 1997, more than 282,000 children ages 14 and under were injured as occupants in motor vehicle-related crashes. Children ages 4 and under accounted for nearly 30 percent of these childhood motor vehicle occupant injuries. Seventy-five percent of motor vehicle crashes occur within 25 miles of home. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride. It is estimated that children ages 12 and under are 36 percent less likely to die in a crash if seated in the rear seat of a passenger vehicle.
Rural areas have higher motor vehicle crash incidence rates and death rates than urban areas.
In addition, crashes in rural areas are more severe. Children ages 4 and under accounted for 37 percent of these childhood motor vehicle occupant deaths. Thanks to the National SAFE KIDS Website for these statistics. Please visit them for more. As a parent and as an owner of a car with airbags, I take notice when I see a small child in the front seat of a car.