Car Crashes Are The Leading Cause Of Child Fatalities

Parents work hard to create a safe and secure environment for their children. However, no matter how vigilant they are, children must eventually leave the safety of their homes and confront the realities of the outside world, which include potential dangers such as road traffic.

One of the most pressing threats families face is car accidents, which remain a leading cause of fatalities among children in the United States. Tragically, kids are particularly vulnerable; in fact, 1,184 children aged 14 or younger lost their lives in car crashes in 2021, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect young individuals on the road.

The Devastating Statistics of Child Car Crash Fatalities

In the United States, car crashes claim the lives of 3 children and injure 429 more every single day, making it one of the leading preventable causes of child mortality. Despite advances in vehicle safety and protective measures, tragedies plague our roads daily. The statistics behind these incidents highlight the severity of the issue and underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent such devastating losses.

In 2022, there were 59.4 million children in the U.S., making up 18% of the total population. According to a report from the NHTSA, of the 42,514 deaths due to traffic accidents around the country, 1,129 (3%) were children. Here are some other concerning statistics from the same report:

• In 2022, child fatalities from traffic accidents decreased by 6%, with 1,128 deaths compared to 1,200 in 2021. These figures mark a 2% decline from the 1,152 deaths recorded in 2013.
• Out of 1,129 children who died in accidents, 856 were riding in vehicles, while 273 were walking, biking, or not in a vehicle.
• Among children involved in fatal car crashes, 55% were male. For non-fatal injuries, 51% were female. 
• Roughly 156,502 children got hurt in collisions, a 4% decrease from 162,314 in 2021.

Factors Behind Child Fatalities In Traffic Accidents

It is heartbreaking that many traffic incidents resulting in the deaths of young kids occurred due to preventable causes. Understanding the key factors that contribute to these tragic incidents is crucial in taking the necessary steps to safeguard our children. Here are some of the leading causes behind these unfortunate casualties:

Lack Of Or Misuse Of Child Restraints

One of the main reasons for child fatalities in car accidents is the lack of proper seat restraints. Car seats and seat belts are essential for protecting children from the potential harm caused by accidents. Car seats are designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and torso. Seat belts, on the other hand, help secure the child’s body and prevent ejection from the vehicle.

Securing your little ones in child safety seats is not just a precaution; it is a lifesaving measure. For infants under one, these seats reduce the risk of fatal injuries in car accidents by an impressive 71%. For toddlers aged 1 to 4 years, the risk of suffering fatal injuries drops by 54% when they are properly buckled in. The safety benefits aren’t limited to young children; adults and children aged five and older can also lower their risk of serious injuries by 50% and reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents by 45% simply by using seat belts.

In 2021, 43,028 people survived car accidents that could have ended differently, and out of those, 4,397 were young kids under the age of 14. Even more impressive is that 81% of these kids were buckled up properly, showing the importance of using the correct car safety seats.

However, not everything is as safe as it should be. While car seat technology has improved, misuse remains a persistent problem. A comprehensive 2011 study found that nearly half of all car seats and booster seats were improperly installed. This is a problem that continues to challenge parents today. According to the latest research in 2017, this misuse rate soars to 85% or more in some places.

This demonstrates the importance of ensuring that kids are buckled up correctly.

Common examples of misuse include:

• Using the car seat or booster seat beyond its expiration date.
• Ignoring the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines regarding height and weight limits.
• Failing to secure the harness or seat belt properly.
• Positioning the car seat or booster seat incorrectly within the vehicle.
• Failing to use the tether strap to secure the car or booster seat.
• Failing to inspect the car or booster seat for damage or defects before use.
• Neglecting to regularly inspect the car or booster seat for wear and tear.

Unrestrained Drivers

When a crash occurs, a driver not wearing a seatbelt faces a significantly higher risk of traumatic brain injuries and other severe harm. The impact extends beyond just the driver, creating a domino effect. The situation becomes even more tragic if children are in the car, often imitating adults and remaining unbuckled, making them vulnerable. Research reveals a simple truth: children are more likely to buckle up when adults do the same. Shockingly, a report from NHTSA shows that 68% of children who lost their lives in car accidents were in vehicles where the driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Buckling up is not just a personal choice; it is a guardian’s responsibility.

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

When a driver is impaired by alcohol, their ability to react quickly and make safe decisions is significantly reduced. This, combined with decreased coordination and impaired judgment, increases the chances of DUI accidents occurring.

The NHTSA has shared a sobering statistic: 25% of fatalities among child passengers are linked to alcohol impairment behind the wheel. A tragic report highlights that out of 283 young lives lost, over half (53%) were in vehicles driven by someone under the influence, and another 31% were occupants of other cars.

Other Causes Of Car Accidents

Here are other common causes of road accidents that can lead to child fatalities and injuries:

1. Speeding — Each year, California witnesses over 50,000 speeding-related accidents. Exceeding the speed limit impairs a driver’s reaction time, increasing the likelihood of car accidents and leading to more severe injuries and damages.
2. Distracted Driving — Many drivers engage in accident-causing distractions that may disrupt their focus. Examples include using a phone, eating, reading, or conversing with passengers while behind the wheel. These distractions reduce their attention and increase the risk of accidents.
3. Not Observing Traffic Rules — Doing illegal U-turns, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way are prime examples of dangerous driving behaviors that can lead to severe accidents. Failure to adhere to traffic regulations or to act responsibly on California’s streets and highways has led to countless accidents throughout the state.
4. Vehicle Malfunctions — Vehicle manufacturers are typically held to stringent standards for each vehicle. Occasionally, specific vehicle components may malfunction, leading to accidents that inflict significant injuries on drivers and passengers. Victims may have a product liability case against the manufacturers.
5. Poor Road Conditions — State and local governments must ensure the proper maintenance of roads. Hazards like potholes, sudden elevation changes, and absent guard rails can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, potentially resulting in serious accidents. The responsible government entity may be held accountable if these dangerous road conditions lead to accidents.

Child Fatalities In Pedestrian, Bicycle, And School Bus Accidents

Children are particularly at risk in road accidents, and not just as passengers in cars. They may also get killed in pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents. According to the NHTSA, 188 child pedestrians died in 2021, representing 17% of all child fatalities in traffic collisions and 2% of all pedestrian fatalities.

Of these unfortunate deaths, 20% were caused by hit-and-run drivers. Furthermore, 82% died in head-on collisions, while 4% died in rear-end accidents.

Bus accidents are likely to increase as more children return to school. Due to their larger size and increased surface area that absorbs impacts, school buses are safer than other types of vehicles. Parents and teachers need to emphasize to children the importance of following the bus driver’s instructions in the event of an accident. Any accident can be frightening and confusing for a child. However, providing them with proper training and relevant information on what to do can help them stay calm and follow instructions.

Preventive Measures Against Fatal Traffic Accidents

Parents can take several proactive steps and implement preventive measures to ensure kids’ safety on the road. One crucial aspect is educating children about seatbelt safety from an early age. The following are some things parents can do to minimize the chances of car accident injuries.

Precautions To Take While Riding In A Car

Keeping our children safe while riding in a car is a top priority. Here are some crucial safety tips to help protect your little ones on the road.

1. Ensure Kids Are Buckled Up — Ensure that children are always secured in car seats or booster seats that are suitable for their age and size. Parents should always wear seatbelts because consistently buckling up sets a positive example for children to follow.
2. Install the Car Seat Correctly — According to a study by Safe Kids, a significant number of car seats are installed incorrectly. Proper installation is crucial to minimize the risk of significant injuries in an accident. Since 2002, the government has mandated the use of Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) systems in cars for easier car seat installation.
3. Check Weight Limits — LATCH systems have specified weight limits. When your child reaches a certain weight, reinstall the car seat using only a seatbelt.
4. Enhance Safety With Proper Use — In a 2015 special study, the NHTSA reported that 46% of child restraints are used improperly. If a car seat is not securely fastened to the vehicle or is loosely buckled, a child may be ejected from the seat during a collision. This can lead to severe injuries such as head trauma, spinal cord damage, or even death.
5. Reevaluate Seatbelt Use For Children — Researchers found that 90% of children under 10 using only a seat belt should still be in a car or booster seat. Using just a seatbelt can lead to improper restraint in a crash, increasing the risk of serious injuries to the abdomen and neck due to poor fit on their smaller bodies.

By following these tips, you can significantly enhance the safety of your children while they are riding in a car. Remember, safety starts with you, and your actions can make a world of difference.

Precautions To Take While Walking Or Cycling

Children should always stay on sidewalks when walking. If there is no sidewalk available, they should keep a safe distance from the road. In addition to teaching their kids about safe practices while walking or riding near traffic, parents also have a vital role in educating them about general traffic safety. This includes:

• Taking several glances at both sides of the road before crossing a street.
• Halting at the crosswalk before crossing the road.
• If there are no designated crosswalks or pedestrian lanes on the street, find an intersection where you can cross safely.

Common Injuries Suffered After A Motor Vehicle Accident

Every year in California, countless drivers and passengers suffer injuries in accidents. While some victims are fortunate enough to recover from their injuries fully, others may face the long-term challenges of permanent disability or chronic pain.

Here are the most common injuries that are particularly prevalent in auto accidents:

Head And Brain Injuries

Children involved in collisions are particularly vulnerable to head injuries. If the child’s head hits a hard surface, they could get a concussion, a fractured skull, or a severe brain injury. Even relatively minor head trauma can have significant repercussions and, if left untreated, can even be fatal.

Back And Spine Injuries

Spinal cord injuries might have fatal consequences in the tragic case of a child being involved in a car crash. A child’s capacity to breathe, move, and function may be significantly impacted by these injuries, which may eventually result in potentially fatal complications.

Broken Bones

Broken bones resulting from a car accident can have severe consequences for children, sometimes even leading to complications that result in an untimely death. Multiple fractures from an accident can endanger a child’s life, particularly if critical areas are damaged.

Soft Tissue Injuries

For children in auto accidents, soft tissue injuries — which include muscles, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs—can be significantly more serious than they first seem. These injuries can cause severe internal bleeding or damage to essential organs that may not be immediately apparent in high-impact incidents. Regretfully, even seemingly minor injuries can worsen rapidly and lead to severe complications if treatment is delayed.

Families may file a claim to recover wrongful death damages in terrible situations where these injuries turn out to be fatal. A car accident lawyer can help them hold the responsible individuals accountable and obtain justice and financial compensation for their loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Auto Crashes The Leading Cause Of Death Of Children In The U.S.?

Auto crashes are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities among people of all ages, including children. According to statistics, children under the age of 13 have died in motor vehicle accidents less frequently since 1975, indicating some progress in vehicle safety and awareness. Despite this positive trend, traffic crashes still account for 1 out of every four unintentional injuries among children.

What Causes The Most Deaths Among Children Involving Cars?

Evidence from reports by the NHTSA and CDC highlights a troubling reality: improper child restraint is a major factor in numerous child fatalities from car accidents. The consequences of neglecting to buckle up can be catastrophic collisions like intersection accidents and red-light accidents. It’s a stark reminder of the critical importance of ensuring our children are properly secured — because every journey deserves to be a safe one.

What Age Group Causes The Most Crashes?

Auto accidents differ significantly across age groups. Teen drivers, particularly those aged 16 to 17, are the most prone to accidents, with a higher likelihood of causing serious injuries and fatalities. Conversely, drivers over 80 have the highest fatality rates, while those aged 60 to 69 are the safest on the road. It’s interesting to note that driving skills tend to improve with age until around 60, after which health concerns may start to impact driving ability.

Why Are Teen Drivers More At Risk Of Deadly Accidents?

Teen drivers often face a higher risk of being involved in fatal accidents, which can be attributed to their limited driving experience and the learning process that comes with it. Many young drivers are still honing their skills and may not yet have the judgment that comes from years of experience on the road. This inexperience can lead to risky behaviors, such as distracted driving or taking unnecessary chances like speeding.

Additionally, teenagers are in a critical stage of development where decision-making skills and impulse control are still evolving. This can result in choices that might seem impulsive or reckless, such as not wearing seatbelts or underestimating the dangers of certain driving conditions. It’s important to recognize that while these behaviors can lead to serious consequences, they often stem from a lack of experience rather than a wanton disregard for safety. Supporting teens with education, guidance, and practice can help them become more responsible drivers over time.

Who Has The Highest Risk Of Crashing?

Annually, statistics show that more males are involved in fatal car accidents compared to females. This trend can be attributed to longer distances driven and a higher likelihood of engaging in reckless driving behaviors, including speeding, driving under the influence, and obeying traffic signals, causing red light accidents.

What Damages Can Victims Recover From A Car Accident?

Damages refer to the losses you experienced as the victim or plaintiff due to the car accident. In California, damages in personal injury cases fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are straightforward to calculate:

• Medical expenses, including both current and anticipated costs.
• Costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Property damage.
• Lost wages, including lost earning capacity.
• Additional expenses include tow truck fees, prescription costs, and any other costs arising from the accident.

Conversely, non-economic damages pertain to losses that are more challenging to measure. They include the following:

Your personal injury attorney typically assesses the total value of damages incurred, which plays a crucial role in determining the overall value of your case.

Who Can File A Car Accident Claim?

Personal injury laws in California protect all victims, no matter where they are from or what their immigration situation is. Injured victims can seek assistance without worrying about being deported or having their legal status used against them in court. These rights likewise shield families who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident. Families of those victims can pursue wrongful death lawsuits without worrying about their relatives being deported.

Is There A Deadline To File A Car Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. California’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years. This means an injured party has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the car crash.

What If Multiple Parties Were At Fault?

In situations where multiple parties are at fault for an accident, California’s pure comparative negligence rules come into play. These rules allow you to seek compensation even if you share responsibility for the accident. Each party’s level of fault is determined, and compensation is adjusted accordingly. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of the total damages. To navigate these complexities and ensure that your rights are protected, consulting with a California car accident lawyer is crucial.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?

Most personal injury lawyers charge between 33% and 40% of the total settlement amount. Arash Law, one of California’s best personal injury law firms, charges around the same percentage, depending on the case’s specifics. However, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any attorney or legal fees unless their car accident attorney wins on their behalf.

Involved In A Car Accident? Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today

Nothing is more heartbreaking than losing a loved one, especially a child, in a car accident. If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident, whether through injury or loss, it’s important to know that you can hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for your damages.

Consult with our lawyers specializing in car accidents. We will evaluate your case, suggest the necessary actions, and analyze the important elements that may affect the compensation you receive. Additionally, our lawyers can assist you if obtaining further information or an accident report proves challenging.

Under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we will advocate for your rights and skillfully represent you in any required legal proceedings. We have obtained over $750 million in compensation for clients in California. You can rest easy knowing that you are working with the best. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, where fees are a percentage of your settlement.

To contact one of our personal injury attorneys, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.