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This study describes nonfatal interactions between children and front passenger air bags. Twelve surviving children aged 12 and younger who experienced passenger air bag deployments were identified from hospital emergency department records and police accident reports. Data from crash reconstructions and medical records were analyzed to determine mechanisms responsible for each injury sustained. Four of six children in safety seats and one of six children restrained in lap/shoulder belts sustained significant brain injuries. It is recommended that infant seats and forward facing safety seats be placed in the rear seats of vehicles equipped with passenger air bags.

This study investigates the role of restraint misuse in pediatric motor vehicle trauma. Restrained children ages 0-12 years who were injured in motor vehicle crashes and admitted to a trauma center were studied. Restraint use was determined via crash reconstruction. Clinical data were collected prospectively and analyzed with respect to injury severity, and cost. Restraint misuse was found for 84% of children. Incorrectly restrained children experienced a higher mean ISS than correctly restrained children (12.3 vs. 7.1; p = 0.05) and incurred medical charges more than 2 times higher (US$36,839 vs. $15,004; p = 0.013). Case presentations illustrate patterns of injury associated with types of misuse. Incorrect restraint use is associated with greater injury severity and higher medical charges.