[Traffic-related injuries in children at Trieste, 1984-1986]

Traffic-related injuries to children are poorly known in our country, in spite of their role in mortality and morbidity. Being that they are rather different from those reported in the adults, their study is useful in identifying risks and elaborating prevention strategies. This paper reports epidemiologic and clinical data on 1050 children under 16, referred to our hospital because of road traffic accidents. The study has been prospectively carried out during 1984-86; injuries severity was assessed according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Incidence rates resulted to increase with the age, highest values being observed for 15 year old children, due to motorcycle use. Patterns and severity of the injuries were significantly different according to the age and the group of injured subjects. Younger children as pedestrians and 14-15 y.o. motorcyclists resulted to be more involved than car passengers and bicyclists. At a telephone inquiry after 6-12 months sequelae resulted in 20-40% out of 482 children, according to different AIS Score.