A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition last year looked at the behaviors that put children at risk for being struck by a motor vehicle.
The researchers involved collected data from pedestrians injured by a car or other vehicle between 2008 and 2011 in New York City. All of the individuals were seen at area hospitals for trauma. About 13 percent, or 145 patients, were younger than 18. Eighty-two percent had head injuries.
Darting into the street caused the most injuries for those 6 and younger (44 percent) and was also a significant cause of injury for those ages 7 to 12 (25 percent) and ages 13 to 17 (14 percent). Crossing the street midblock was another risk factor, as was using electronic devices such as cellphones or listening to music (particularly a risk for teens). Alcohol use played a small role in the incidents with just 4 percent of teens’ accidents involving alcohol, compared with 15 percent of adults.
— Bulletin staff reports
