In 1991, child safety seats prevented 185 deaths and 72,000 injuries in the U.S. They saved $3.5 billion, including $220 million in medical care costs. Universal child seat use would save another $2 billion annually, including $90 million in medical care costs. Each dollar spent on child seats saves $2 in medical care costs. Each dollar also saves $6 in other tangible expenses and preserves quality of life valued at more than $25. The return on seats was computed using a bulk purchase price. Attacking seat misuse makes economic sense for both auto insurers and private health insurers. Auto insurers also may find it cost-effective to subsidize child seat purchases. Because use is so high among their policyholders, subsidizing child seat does not make economic sense for private health insurers. About 60% of child occupants age 0-4 who are Medicaid recipients travel unrestrained. Only 11% of other children age 0-4 are similarly endangered. This difference occurs despite comparable safety belt use in these two populations. Public should not deny children safety. Public action is needed. (A)
Samenvatting