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Infant car safety seats and risk of head injury

Camille L Stewart1, Megan A Moscariello2, Kristine W Hansen3

  • 1University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA; Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|January 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Properly restrained infants in high-speed motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) still sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This study questions the adequacy of car safety seats in preventing TBI in these severe incidents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric trauma
  • Motor vehicle safety
  • Neurology

Background:

  • High incidence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) observed in properly restrained infants involved in high-speed motor vehicle crashes (MVCs).
  • Existing car safety seats may not adequately protect infants from TBI in severe crashes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effectiveness of car safety seats in preventing TBI in infants during high-speed MVCs.
  • To analyze injury patterns and severity in restrained versus unrestrained infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of state crash data (2007-2011) and trauma center data (2000-2011).
  • Inclusion criteria: infants presenting to a trauma center after an MVC.
  • Data collected on restraint use, crash speed, and injury severity (TBI diagnosis, Abbreviated Injury Scale).

Main Results:

  • 94% of infants in MVCs with injury concern were properly restrained at average speeds of 44.6 mph.
  • Only 56.3% of infants presenting to trauma centers after MVCs were properly restrained.
  • TBI incidence and head injury severity were similar between properly restrained and improperly/unrestrained infants in trauma centers.

Conclusions:

  • While car safety seats generally prevent injuries, TBI severity is comparable between properly restrained and unrestrained infants in high-speed MVCs presenting to trauma centers.
  • Further research is needed to enhance infant protection in severe motor vehicle crashes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Car safety seaInfantsMotor vehicle crashTraumatic brain injury

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