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Kids Face Greater Risk of Spinal Injuries In Auto Accidents

Children under the age of 12 are more likely to suffer a spinal injury in an automobile accident than minors ages 12-18, a recent study shows. In fact, younger children are seven times more likely to suffer a spinal injury. This may reflect the inadequacy of the seat belt "fit" on small kids due to their small size. Most rear seat passengers are under the age of 18. Yet, reports show that rear seats tend to be too long for most kids, causing them to slouch over so their knees reach past the front of the seat. To help with the problem, parents are advised to use a booster seat to help the child fit more securely in a seat belt until the child can sit comfortably with their knees reaching over the front of the seat, or unti they are around 4 feet 9 inches tall.
The research is from a report in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.