According to the SCDRB, in the 11-year period from 1994 through 2005, 884 children less than 18 years-of-age were killed in motor vehicle crashes (MVC’s) in Kansas.
During that same 11-year period collected data reflects the following:
• 79% of the cases involved inexperience or inattentive driving;
• Over 75% of the children were not wearing seatbelts or were using them incorrectly;
• 450 of the total 884 fatalities were in the 15-17 age group;
• 189 were age 10-14, 125 were 5-9, and 122 were 4 & under;
• The driver and rear-seat passengers made up the majority of the deaths;
• The majority of the deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight;
• The most prevalent vehicle was a passenger car;
• 60% of the fatalities were male, 40% were female.
Despite the proven benefit of seatbelt use in preventing deaths, the percentage of Kansans who are unrestrained in fatal crashes remains high. In 530 of the total 884 crashes, seatbelts were not used at all and another 142 were used improperly. Safety restraints can save lives if used correctly.
Six strongly encourages the use of safety restraints/seatbelts and asks that all law enforcement officials to strictly enforce laws pertaining to seatbelt use. He also asks that all drivers avoid distractions such as cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices.
Novice drivers should be accompanied by an experienced adult and avoid complex driving situations until more practiced. Finally, never drive after drinking alcohol or using narcotics or other mood-altering drugs.
By following these recommendations, Kansas roads will be a safer environment and fatality statistics will decrease.
For more information on the State Child Death Review Board 2007 Annual Report, which contains 11-years of data, please visit www.ksag.org/content/page/id/49, and choose “2007 Annual Report”.
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The SCDRB is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency board that examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all Kansas children (birth through 17 years-of-age) and children who are not Kansas residents, but who die in the state. The goals of the SCDRB are to describe the trends and patterns of child deaths in Kansas, to develop prevention strategies, and to improve sources of data and communication among agencies. The Board works toward lowering child deaths in Kansas through research, education, and legislation.