Bicycle-mounted child seats. Injury risk and prevention.
Little information is available about bicycle-mounted child seats despite their general use for a decade. We analyzed two existing data sets to gain information about frequency, trend, and characteristics of bicycle-mounted child seat injuries to children 5 years old and younger. Available data suggest an increased frequency of these injuries, with the rate of passenger injuries rising from 17% to 28% of all reported bicycle-related injuries to children in this age group in California during the years 1977 to 1986. In a detailed sample of 52 injuries related to the use of bicycle-mounted child seats, 42% occurred when the bicycle crashed or tipped over and 25% occurred when the child fell out of the seat. Sixty-five percent involved the head and face, and 27% of the head injuries were serious. Substantial morbidity associated with these injuries could be amellorated if children using these seats wore appropriate bicycle helmets.
Sargent
J D
JD
Department of Pediatrics, Boston City Hospital, Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health, MA 02118.
Peck
M G
MG
Weitzman
M
M
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001642:Bicycling; D002140:California; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011482:Protective Devices; D013177:Sports; D014481:United States