Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of death for US children under 15. Childhood injuries pose long-term economic burdens to society. Texas has a young, rapidly growing population and the second highest MVC mortality (8.7% of US). We examined the impact of MVC death and injury on Texas children under age 15 from 1993-97. Data were obtained from the Texas Transportation Institute's database of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports. Injury severity was reported as Killed, Incapacitating, Non-Incapacitating, Possible, and None. An average of 170 Texas children died, 1615 suffered incapacitating and 8018 non-incapacitating injuries annually in the study period. Mortality and injury rates were determined for the eleven Public Health Regions and the state. Differences between regions are discussed. Despite limitations, Texas data suggest opportunities to reduce MVC deaths and injuries in children. (1) Surveillance is vital to effective interventions. Because non-injury and non-towing crashes were unreported, denominators were unavailable to calculate measures of relative risk. Thus, risk factors were not determined nor interventions tested. Only 2% of MVC crash victims die, yet injuries are crudely documented by states. (2) Legislation, such as mandatory restraint use, is effective in reducing death and injury. Current use is 50% in Texas children. Texas' recent amendment requiring restraints for children under age 15 is an important public health achievement. (3) Education and enforcement are necessary. Despite laws restricting children from riding in cargo beds at speeds above 35mph, 3% of deaths occur there, suggesting lack of knowledge or non-compliance.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to: (1) Describe the magnitude of childhood motor vehicle-related injury and death in Texas; (2)Recognize the public health impact of motor vehicle injuries as well as fatalities; (3) Discuss differences in pediatric mortality and injury rates between public health regions; and (4) Assess surveillance, legislation, education, and enforcement as potential solutions to childhood motor vehicle injuries and deaths by generalizing from Texas results
Keywords: Children, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.