Chapter 3 - For The Safety of Canadian Children And Youth - Public Health Agency of Canada

Chapter 3

Motor Vehicle (Excluding Motorized Cycle) Occupant Injuries

HIGHLIGHTS

Youths aged 15-19 were the most frequent victims of motor vehicle occupant injuries. According to Statistics Canada data for 1990-1992, 40% of deaths and 16% of hospitalizations for all injuries in this age group were related to such injuries.

Since the peak in the early 1970s, death rates related to motor vehicle occupant injuries have declined by more than 50%. Hospitalization rates also began to decline in the 1986-1988 period, and a decrease of 20% has been seen between 1986 and 1992 (Statistics Canada).

CHIRPP data for 1993 show that cases requiring major treatment were much more frequent among children and youth unprotected by a restraint system when the motor vehicle injury occurred, regardless of their age. Among 0-19 year-olds, when a restraint system was present, follow-up or significant treatment was necessary in 27.8% of injuries; when a restraint system was not present the percentage rose to 46.2%.

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CHAPTER 3
Motor Vehicle (Excluding Motorized Cycle) Occupant Injuries