Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Nonfatal motor-vehicle-related backover injuries among children--United States, 2001-2003
Insights
Motor-vehicle backover incidents injure thousands of children annually. This study analyzed emergency department data to understand nonfatal injuries and inform prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric injury prevention
- Public health surveillance
- Trauma research
Background:
- Motor-vehicle (MV) backover incidents pose a significant risk of severe injury and death to children.
- Understanding nonfatal injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize nonfatal motor-vehicle backover injuries among children aged 1-14 years.
- To analyze injury data from U.S. hospital emergency departments.
- To identify age-related differences in injury type and severity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) for the years 2001-2003.
- Inclusion of children aged 1-14 years treated in emergency departments for nonfatal MV backover injuries.
Main Results:
- An estimated 7,475 children (2,492 per year) were treated for nonfatal MV backover injuries during 2001-2003.
- Significant variations in injury type and severity were observed across different age groups within the 1-14 year range.
- Emergency department data provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of these injuries.
Conclusions:
- Nonfatal motor-vehicle backover injuries represent a substantial public health concern for children.
- Data analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions, including education, environmental modifications, and vehicle design changes.
- Continued surveillance and research are essential for reducing childhood injuries from MV backovers.
Abstract:
Motor-vehicle (MV)-related backovers (i.e., incidents involving children being struck by or rolled over by a vehicle moving in reverse) represent a risk for severe injury and death. To characterize nonfatal MV backover injuries among children, CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which determined that, during 2001-2003, an estimated 7,475 children (2,492 per year) aged 1-14 years were treated for nonfatal MV backover injuries in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs). The report also highlights differences in type and severity of MV backover injuries by age and underscores the need for effective interventions. NEISS-AIP data can increase the understanding of nonfatal MV backover injuries and help guide the development of prevention strategies, such as education, environmental improvements, and changes in vehicle design, that might help reduce these injuries among children.
