Showing (motor vehicle) restraint: a primer for emergency physicians

In 2000, 1,668 child occupants under the age of 14 died in motor vehicle crashes and nearly 250,000 children were injured. When used correctly, child safety seats can dramatically reduce a child’s risk of death and serious injury in a motor vehicle crash. Emergency physicians have a unique opportunity to counsel parents and caregivers and provide recommendations on the appropriate restraint for their children as the majority of children in crashes who seek care are treated in emergency departments. The recommendations for child occupant protection are updated regularly. This paper will provide an overview of the current recommendations for restraining children in motor vehicles and identify sources for up to date information for physicians and families.