Fact Sheet
National Data:
More than one tween passenger age 8 through 12 is killed in a motor vehicle crash every day (414 in 2004) and three times as many (1,267 in 2004) are injured. (Source: Fatality Analysis Reporting System [FARS])
National fatality data show that of the more than 400 tweens killed in crashes each year, nearly 50% are unrestrained and one-third are riding in a front seat. (Source: FARS)
In 2004, a Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS) study found that 35% of 9-12 year olds were riding in the front seat, compared to only 7% of 4 to 8 year-olds.
Research shows children are 40% more likely to be injured in a front seat than if they had been seated in back. (Source: PCPS)
National fatality data show when Adult Drivers are not restrained 91% of 8-15 year old fatals are unrestrained. However, when Adult Drivers are restrained 48% of 8-15 year old fatals are restrained. (Source: FARS)
Teen drivers also significantly impact passenger restraint use (Source: Chen et al., Injury Prevention, 2004):
- Teen drivers 2 times more likely to have children in front seat than adult drivers.
- Novice teen drivers 3 times more likely to have unrestrained child passengers.
NHTSA's National Occupant Protection Use Survey indicated that in 2003, 81% of 8-15 year olds in front seats of vehicles were restrained. But they also note that nearly a third are not buckled in a back seat.