Road Deaths Among Indiana Children On Decline

Pediatrician Marilyn Bull, M.D., and a young mother demonstrate to onlookers the proper way to secure an infant in a child-safety seat. It was part of activities surrounding the IU School of Medicine's Automotive Safety for Children Program June 26 at Riley Hospital for Children. (Photo: Judith Talty)

INDIANAPOLIS - The fatality rate among youngsters killed in vehicle accidents has reversed gears significantly the past two decades, reports the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Automotive Safety for Children Program.

In 1981, 99 children aged 14 and younger were killed on Hoosier roadways. By 1999, the number was significantly lower at 43, a nearly 60 percent decline. The national rate fell about 46 percent during the same time period. State officials cite seat-belt laws and heightened public awareness of child safety as the reasons for the reduced deaths.

The Automotive Safety Program for Children was launched in 1981 under the guidance of Marilyn Bull, M.D., director of development pediatrics and Morris Green Professor of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Bull saw a need to ensure the safety of children being transported to and from the hospital, particularly those youngsters with special health-care needs.

“We’re pleased the number of deaths and injuries are declining, but we have a long way to go to protect our children,” says Dr. Bull, who practices at James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. “Unfortunately, unrestrained or improperly restrained children are far more likely to be injured, to suffer more severe injuries, and to die in the event of a crash.”

Information from the National Safe Kids Campaign underscores Dr. Bull’s claim. The campaign reports that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injuries and deaths in the United States. In 1998, 1,765 child passengers ages 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes.

The Automotive Safety for Children Program has expanded greatly statewide since its establishment. Today’s programs include low-cost car seat distribution, child safety-seat fitting stations, Project SEAT (a program with local and state law-enforcement agencies to distribute vouchers to for safety seats during routine traffic stops, curricula guides for elementary teachers and students and advocacy materials for parents, government officials and civic organizations.

The program observed its 20th anniversary June 26 at Riley Hospital, offering safety tips and materials for parents and games and refreshments for hospitalized youngsters.

For more information about the IU School of Medicine Automotive Safety for Children Program, visit its Web site at http://www.preventinjury.org