Comparison of motor vehicle occupant injuries in restrained and unrestrained 4- to 14-year-olds☆

Agran, Phyllis F.; Castillo, Dawn N.; Winn, Diane G.

Affiliations

¹Department of Pediatrics, Public Policy Research Organization. University of California, Irvine, CA 92717, U.S.A.

²Public Policy Research Organization, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92717, U.S.A.

Abstract

This study compares injuries of restrained and unrestrained 4- to 14-year-olds in nine emergency rooms and the Coroner's office in Orange County, California from 1983 to 1989. Analyses were performed separately for 4- to 9- and 10- to 14-year-olds because of differences related to the fit of the seat belt. Significantly fewer intracranial injuries and a significantly lower mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) were seen between the restrained and unrestrained for 10- to 14-year-olds in the front passenger and back seats; but for 4- to 9-year-olds in the back seat only. These same differences were noted between restrained 4- to 9-year-olds in the back compared with those in the front passenger seat. Except for 4- to 9-year-olds in the front passenger seat, our findings are consistent with similar studies of occupants of all ages. Our results suggest that lap-shoulder belts (primary restraint in front seat) may provide less protection for 4- to 9-year-olds than for 10- to 14-year-olds and adults.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0001-4575(92)90047-M

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Cited By (11)

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