A new report by John Foy & Associates reveals that despite a 4.4% decline in overall traffic fatalities, thousands of children continue to suffer severe physical and psychological injuries in car crashes,
Key Findings :
- Decline in Fatalities, but Not in Injuries – Traffic fatalities fell by 4.4%, yet thousands of child passengers continue to suffer severe, long-term injuries.
- Head & Neck Injuries Still Dominate – 60% of severe pediatric crash injuries affect the head or neck, increasing the risk of concussions and developmental issues.
- Emotional Trauma Remains Overlooked – Studies show that 38.3% of children involved in crashes develop PTSD, anxiety, or long-term phobias related to car travel.
- Restraint Use Still an Issue – Over 30% of child fatalities occurred due to improper restraint use, highlighting the urgent need for better child passenger safety measures
- Weekends & Holidays Remain High-Risk – More child fatalities continue to occur on weekends and during holiday travel periods, making parent education essential for injury prevention.
Expanded Breakdown by Statistics:
| Category | Impact on Child Passengers |
| Total Child Injuries (Latest Available Data) | Thousands of children sustain serious injuries in car crashes each year. Updated data is expected soon. |
| Most Common Injuries | Brain trauma, spinal cord damage, fractures remain the leading causes of severe pediatric crash injuries. |
| Head/Neck Injury Rate | 60% of child crash victims experience severe head or neck injuries, which can have long-term developmental effects. |
| PTSD & Anxiety Cases | 38.3% of children in crashes develop mental health disorders, affecting their emotional well-being for years. |
| Restraint Use in Fatal Accidents | Over 30% of children killed in crashes were not properly restrained, reinforcing the importance of car seats and seatbelt laws. |
Total Child Injuries:
While traffic fatalities have dropped, child passenger injuries remain a major concern, with new data expected later this year to reflect the full impact of car crashes on young victims.
Most Common Injuries:
Head and spinal trauma, fractures, and internal bleeding continue to be the most frequent injuries in child passengers, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Head/Neck Injury Rate:
60% of severe pediatric crash injuries affect the head or neck, putting children at risk for concussions, cognitive impairment, and long-term mobility issues.
PTSD & Anxiety Cases:
Studies reveal that nearly 40% of children involved in car crashes suffer PTSD or long-term travel anxiety, yet mental health care for young crash victims remains underprioritized.
Restraint Use in Fatal Accidents:
Over 30% of child crash fatalities involved improper seatbelt or car seat use, emphasizing the need for improved education and enforcement of child passenger safety laws.
Quote from John Foy & Associates:
“Too often, child injuries from car accidents go undetected until weeks or months later, leading to lifelong complications. As holiday travel increases, it’s critical that parents understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect their children.”
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
