Children killed in falls from motor vehicles.

In 1978 in the United States, 38 children aged 5 years or younger were killed when they fell from the passenger compartments of moving motor vehicles not involved in crashes. Twenty-eight children (74%) were boys. Eighteen (47%) were 2 years old; 35 (92%) were aged 1 to 3 years. Thirty-six children fell out through doors, one fell out of a window, and one fell through a hole in the floor. Sixteen falls occurred when the driver was making a turn or going around a curve, nine when someone opened the door, seven when the driver was proceeding straight ahead, five when the driver was backing out of a driveway, and one when the driver was swerving. All 38 children killed in falls from vehicles were unrestrained. Use of seat belts or child restraint systems would prevent falls even if doors came open, as well as providing protection in crashes. A recent study has shown that pediatricians, by routinely counseling parents to restrain children in cars, can have some effect in increasing child restraint use. Pediatricians should also encourage parents to transport children in rear seats and to check at the start of trips to ensure that all doors are completely closed and locked.