Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
The Importance of Seat Belts for Children
Road traffic accidents are the number one cause of death among young people ages 15-19 years. Traffic injuries are the second leading cause of death for children aged 5-14 years. According to a new World Health Organization report on child injuries, 21% of all motor vehicle accident deaths were among children ages 0-19 years, or approximately 262,000 children.
Motor Vehicle Accidents in the World
The World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease project reports that 1.3 million people were killed in motor vehicle accidents, and up to 50 million were injured or disabled. The high number of child deaths from traffic accidents has influenced global leaders to try to find methods to reduce these numbers.
Motor Vehicle Accidents in the United States
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. for 2005 were:
- 1,335 children ages 14 years and younger died in road traffic accidents
- approximately 184,000 were injured
- this averages four deaths and 504 injuries each day
- WHO data shows that 33% of all child deaths around the world are pedestrians
- 65% are occupants of bicycles or cars or motorcycles
Campaign to Educate Children and Adults About Seat Belts
The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a campaign to encourage parents to use seat belts and booster seats:
- 425 lives were saved by car and booster seats for children under age 5
- CDC data indicates 72% of 3,500 car and booster seats were being misused
- using child safety seats and booster seats saves 71% of infants and 54% of toddlers
- parents should always wear seat belts themselves
- make sure that all children aged 12 and younger ride in the back seat
- teach children how important it is to use restraints
- let children help choose their booster seat
- do not start the car until everyone has their seat belt fastened
Seat Belts and Motor Vehicle Accidents
When you are interviewing a Boston personal injury attorney in regards to your car accident injury in Massachusetts, do not be afraid to ask critical questions:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law in Massachusetts?
- What is your experience with Massachusetts car accident cases?
- What is the largest settlement or verdict you have won for your clients in personal injury cases in Massachusetts?
Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
