PEDIATRIC ROAD ACCIDENTS IN 2 HEALTH DISTRICTS

For a 1-year period from 1 January 1990 all children seen, as a result of road traffic accidents (RTAs), in two accident and emergency depar tments (A&E), one in Liverpool and one in Chester were studied. Simple data were collected and injury severity scores (ISS) were used to ass ess injuries. Progress was monitored at 3 months post-injury by a revi ew of hospital case notes. A total of 710 children fulfilled the study criteria in the year with a male:female ratio of 1.7:1. Only 37% of c hildren were accompanied by an adult at the time of their accident. Ov erall 29% of children in vehicles were restrained and only three of 75 cyclists wore cycle helmets. Most injuries were minor with ISS of les s than 9 in 96% of cases. Two children died after admission as a resul t of severe head injuries. The results were similar to those from othe r centres but highlight a need for continuing public education on chil d supervision, safe driving habits and the need for environmental chan ges.