Each year, thousands of children across the United States are involved in motor vehicle accidents, resulting in devastating consequences for families and communities. While traffic safety remains a national priority, the statistics reveal a hidden crisis—one that demands urgent attention.
In 2022 alone, 1,129 children under the age of 14 lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 2.7% of all U.S. traffic fatalities. Even more alarming, 156,000 children suffered injuries in accidents that could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
By analyzing this data, we can better understand where children are most at risk, why these accidents happen, and what actions must be taken to reduce preventable child traffic deaths.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we have seen firsthand how these tragic accidents impact families. We believe that awareness, education, and stronger enforcement of safety measures can significantly reduce the number of child fatalities on the road.
Where Are Children Most at Risk?
Child fatalities on the road are not random; they follow clear patterns, revealing specific locations and circumstances where children face the greatest danger.
- Pedestrian Risks: In 2022, 188 children were killed as pedestrians, with 76% of these accidents occurring in urban areas. Notably, a majority of pedestrian fatalities (54%) happened between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m., coinciding with after-school hours when children are outside the most.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Shockingly, 1 in 5 child pedestrian fatalities (20%) involved a hit-and-run driver, emphasizing the dangers of reckless and irresponsible motorists.
- Bicycle Fatalities: Of the 56 children who died while riding bicycles, 64% were wearing helmets, yet the data suggests that helmet use alone is not enough to prevent fatal injuries. Most of these deaths occurred in urban areas, often at intersections (54%).
- Alcohol-Impaired Driving: A total of 283 children were killed in crashes involving impaired drivers, with 150 of them being passengers in a vehicle where the driver was under the influence.
State-by-State Analysis: Where Are Child Traffic Deaths the Highest?
When comparing child traffic fatalities across the nation, some states show significantly higher rates of fatal accidents than others.
- Top Five States for Child Motor Vehicle Fatalities:
- Texas – 156 fatalities
- California – 97 fatalities
- Florida – 89 fatalities
- Georgia – 49 fatalities
- North Carolina – 45 fatalities
On the other hand, some states reported very few or no child motor vehicle fatalities in 2022:
- Rhode Island – 0 fatalities
- New Hampshire – 2 fatalities
- Idaho – 4 fatalities
- Wyoming – 4 fatalities
- West Virginia – 6 fatalities
What’s Causing These Fatalities?
One of the most significant findings in this data is that many of these deaths were preventable. The primary factor contributing to child traffic fatalities is improper or lack of restraint use.
- 39% of children who died in crashes were unrestrained, meaning that nearly 4 in 10 children who lost their lives could have had better protection if they had been properly secured.
- Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 70% for infants and by 54% for toddlers, yet improper installation or use remains a widespread issue.
- Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45-60%, depending on vehicle size and seating position, but many children transition too early from booster seats, increasing their risk.
This highlights the urgent need for better education and enforcement of child passenger safety laws to ensure that every child is properly restrained in a vehicle.
Prevention: What Can Be Done to Reduce These Deaths?
The data makes it clear: child traffic deaths are not inevitable—they are preventable. By implementing key safety measures and public awareness initiatives, we can reduce these numbers and save lives.
1. Proper Use of Child Restraints
Ensuring that children are correctly restrained in vehicles is the most effective way to prevent fatal injuries. According to safety guidelines:
- Infants and toddlers (up to age 3) should be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children aged 2-7 should use a forward-facing car seat.
- Children aged 4-8 should be in a booster seat until they reach 4’9” in height.
- Older children must use a seat belt, ensuring it fits snugly across the shoulders and upper thighs.
2. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Education
Teaching children how to safely navigate roadways—whether walking, biking, or riding a scooter—can significantly reduce accidents. Parents, schools, and community organizations should emphasize:
- The importance of using crosswalks and looking both ways before crossing
- Avoiding distractions, such as phones and headphones, while walking near traffic
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility
3. Stronger Enforcement of Safety Laws
All 50 states have child restraint laws, but enforcement varies widely. Strengthening these laws, increasing public education, and ensuring compliance could dramatically reduce child fatalities.
4. Increased Supervision Around Vehicles
Accidents in driveways, parking lots, and near schools and bus stops pose additional risks for young children. Parents and caregivers should always:
- Hold a child’s hand when walking near moving vehicles
- Teach children to avoid standing behind or near parked cars, where drivers may not see them
- Monitor children closely when playing near streets, even in residential areas
A Call to Protect Our Children: Turning Awareness into Action
The numbers tell a sobering story—too many children are losing their lives in preventable traffic accidents. Every statistic represents a life cut short, a family left in mourning, and a preventable tragedy.
At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we believe that protecting children on the road is not just a responsibility—it’s a necessity. We must take stronger action through public awareness, proper child restraint use, and stricter enforcement of safety laws.
No child should die because of a preventable traffic accident. By working together as parents, lawmakers, educators, and drivers, we can create safer roads for children and turn awareness into life-saving action.