Safe transportation of children: what is our responsibility as pediatricians?

Abstract

During 2009, 564 children died in Argentina from 0 to 14 in traffic accidents. The mortality rate for road accidents is 56/100 000 inhabitants and is 858% when compared to Sweden, the country with the lowest rate. Fifty percent were children transported in cars, 30% in heavy duty vehicles, 16.3% died when the vehicle overturned and 4.5% died in two wheeled vehicles. Serious injuries and death are more frequent in babies less than a year old. Seventy one per cent of children under 1 year old and 54% of those between 1 and 6 years old would avoid death in an accident if transported in adequate safety seats. This requires a joint effort between obstetricians and pediatricians to inform the family about the right type of safety seat. The State and other institutions should accompany this campaign to reduce the number of fatal accidents and their consequences. Language: es