Abstract
All States and the District of Columbia now require by law that some young children ride in restraints, and these laws have increased restraint use somewhat. Education campaigns and free-loan programs can help increase restraint use too. These are important steps, but they have not solved the problem of young children dying as motor vehicle passengers. This publication looks at the national public health tragedy of children in motor vehicle crashes. It describes special problems (riding unrestrained, lap travel, hazards in the passenger compartment, misuse of car seats, etc.), shows what happens to unrestrained children in a crash, and examines various ways children could be better protected. (Author/publisher)