Current and Future Injury Prevention Technology: Engineering Principles and Educating on Correct Use

Engineering and technologic advances have significantly reduced child and adolescent unintentional injury rates, both historically and in contemporary society. Effective prevention strategies are both theory-driven and empirically supported. They can be predominantly active, requiring actions by the users, or more passive, providing protection to all users without intervention. Pediatric clinicians should stay informed about technologic advances to be able to counsel families on the proper use of evidence-based, effective devices and systems. They must also address potential disparities in access due to financial, geographic, cultural, or other causes.