The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among children. Wearing seat belts can help lower these number of deaths and serious injury.
However, when a child is involved in a car accident, a variety of injuries can occur. Below is a list of the most common child injuries resulting from a car accident:
- Brain injury is the most common in children under the age of 8. At a young age, children are highly susceptible to injury of the brain or head because they are still growing and developing. Common brain injuries include cerebral trauma, skull base fracture, hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, skull vault fracture, unconsciousness or concussion. Any of these brain injuries can be highly dangerous and possibly affect a child for the rest of their lives.
- Chest and abdominal injuries are also commonly caused by car accidents. In some cases, the actual seat belt can cause serious injury, but it’s still best to ensure your child wears one at all times. Some abdominal injuries resulting from car accidents include liver, kidney, spleen or small and large bowel injury. These can be very painful as well as dangerous.
- Bone fractures and breaks, especially in the arm, shoulder, leg and hip area are very common for children in car accidents.
If you’re driving with children, never text while operating a vehicle and avoid other distractions that may take your mind off the road. Make sure each child is in the proper car or booster seat, and that they always wear seat belts.