Nonfatal motor-vehicle-related backover injuries among children--United States, 2001-2003.

Motor-vehicle (MV)-related backovers (i.e., incidents involving children being struck by or rolled over by a vehicle moving in reverse) represent a risk for severe injury and death. To characterize nonfatal MV backover injuries among children, CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which determined that, during 2001-2003, an estimated 7,475 children (2,492 per year) aged 1-14 years were treated for nonfatal MV backover injuries in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs). The report also highlights differences in type and severity of MV backover injuries by age and underscores the need for effective interventions. NEISS-AIP data can increase the understanding of nonfatal MV backover injuries and help guide the development of prevention strategies, such as education, environmental improvements, and changes in vehicle design, that might help reduce these injuries among children.