SUVs Pose Similar Injury Risks to Children as Passenger Cars

Children riding in SUVs face similar injury risks compared to those in passenger cars, according to a study from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The research collaboration with State Farm Insurance Companies analyzed 3,933 child occupants in vehicle crashes, finding that SUVs roll over twice as frequently as passenger cars. Children in rollover crashes are three times more likely to be injured, and those not properly restrained face a 25-fold increased risk of injury. The study highlights the importance of proper restraints and rear seating for children under 13 years old.

Key Takeaways:

• Children riding in SUVs have similar injury risks to those in passenger cars.
• SUVs roll over twice as frequently as passenger cars, resulting in a significant risk of injury.
• Children in rollover crashes are three times more likely to be injured.
• Children not properly restrained in a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt during an SUV rollover face a 25-fold increased risk of injury.
• Nearly half of unrestrained children in these crashes suffered serious injuries, compared to only 3% of properly restrained children.
• The study found that injury risk for appropriately restrained children in passenger cars is less than 2%.
• SUV usage in child-involved State Farm crashes increased from 15% in 1999 to 26% in 2004.
• The percentage of passenger cars decreased from 54% in 1999 to 43% in 2004.
• The study highlights the importance of age- and size-appropriate restraints and rear seating for children under 13 years old.
• The study also notes that larger, heavier vehicles are generally safer within each vehicle classification.
• Compact extended-cab pickup trucks pose a unique risk to children, with a five-fold increased risk of injury in a crash for rear-seated children.
• SUVs, particularly mid-size and small SUVs, had similar injury risks, with large SUVs two times safer.

Statistics:

• 3,933 child occupants in vehicle crashes were analyzed in the study.
• SUVs rolled over twice as frequently as passenger cars in the study.
• Children in rollover crashes are three times more likely to be injured.
• Children not properly restrained in a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt during an SUV rollover face a 25-fold increased risk of injury.
• 41% of unrestrained children in these crashes suffered serious injuries.
• 3% of properly restrained children in SUVs suffered serious injuries.
• The injury risk for appropriately restrained children in passenger cars is less than 2%.
• 15% of child-involved State Farm crashes in 1999 involved SUVs, increasing to 26% in 2004.
• 54% of child-involved State Farm crashes in 1999 involved passenger cars, decreasing to 43% in 2004.

Sources:

• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia study published in the journal Pediatrics.
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies research collaboration.
• Partners for Child Passenger Safety Fact and Trend Report (2005).
• State Farm Insurance Companies.
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, founded in 1855 as a pediatric hospital.