The CDC Vital Signs series, launched in 2010, addresses a single, important public health topic each month. This month’s edition presents our latest findings on child passenger safety in the United States. We also highlight proven strategies for increasing use of age- and size-appropriate child restraints—car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
Key points in the Vital Signs report include:
· Motor vehicle crash deaths among children age 12 and under decreased by 43 percent in the past decade (2002-2011). However, crashes killed more than 9,000 children during that time.
· Almost half of all black (45 percent) and Hispanic (46 percent) children killed in crashes were not buckled up, compared to 26 percent of white children (2009-2010).
· Only 2 out of every 100 children live in states that require car seat or booster seat use for children age 8 and under.
Vital Signs is not just about data, it is about action. We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that all children are buckled up—every age, every trip.
Click here to view the entire report.