Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States, and the numbers are heartbreaking. In 2022 alone, 1,129 children under the age of 14 were killed in motor vehicle accidents. Another 156,000 were injured. Behind each of those numbers is a devastated family and a tragedy that could have been prevented.
At The Fitch Law Firm, we work with families impacted by serious accidents, and we’ve seen how deep the pain runs. That’s why we took a closer look at the data to understand where kids are most at risk, what’s causing these accidents, and how we can help prevent more families from experiencing this kind of loss.
Where Are the Biggest Risks?
While it might feel like these accidents happen at random, the data tells a different story. Certain places, times, and conditions consistently show up in child traffic fatality cases.
Walking near traffic: In 2022, 188 children were killed as pedestrians. Most of these deaths happened in urban areas, and more than half occurred between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., just as kids are walking home from school.
Hit-and-run crashes: One in five child pedestrian deaths involved a driver who fled the scene. That’s a staggering statistic, and it shows how dangerous reckless drivers can be.
Bike accidents: 56 children died while riding bicycles. Many were wearing helmets, but the majority of fatal accidents happened at intersections in cities. Helmet use is crucial, but it’s not the only solution.
Drunk driving: 283 children died in crashes involving alcohol, and more than half were riding in the same car as the impaired driver. These are entirely preventable tragedies.
The States With the Highest Numbers
Some states see far more child traffic deaths than others. Whether it’s due to larger populations, more urban traffic, or weaker enforcement of safety laws, here are the five states with the highest child fatality numbers in 2022.
The States With the Highest Numbers
Some states see far more child traffic deaths than others. Whether it’s due to larger populations, more urban traffic, or weaker enforcement of safety laws, here are the five states with the highest child fatality numbers in 2022.
The States With the Highest Numbers
Some states see far more child traffic deaths than others. Whether it’s due to larger populations, more urban traffic, or weaker enforcement of safety laws, here are the five states with the highest child fatality numbers in 2022.
Texas: 156 deaths
California: 97
Florida: 89
Georgia: 49
North Carolina: 45
Meanwhile, some states saw very few child fatalities:
Rhode Island: 0
New Hampshire: 2
Idaho: 4
Wyoming: 4
West Virginia: 6
What’s Behind These Fatalities?
The biggest factor in preventable child deaths on the road? Improper or missing safety restraints.
Nearly 40 percent of the children who died in crashes were not properly restrained.
Car seats, when used correctly, reduce the risk of death by 70 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.
Seat belts lower the risk of fatal injury by up to 60 percent, but too many kids move out of booster seats too soon.
Many parents simply aren’t aware of when or how to transition their child from a car seat to a booster, or from a booster to a seat belt. Others think a quick trip across town doesn’t require buckling up, but that’s when the worst can happen.
What Can We Do?
We can’t bring back the lives already lost, but we can take action to stop these accidents from happening again. Here are a few ways we can all help reduce the number of child traffic fatalities:
Use the right car seat — and use it properly
Older children should always use seat belts that fit across the chest and upper thighs, not the neck or stomach.
Infants and toddlers should be in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.
Preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids need forward-facing car seats with harnesses.
Children under 4’9” should use booster seats, even if they’re older than 8.
Teach kids how to stay safe near roads
Whether they’re walking, biking, or skating, kids need basic safety skills:
Always use crosswalks
Look both ways before crossing
Avoid distractions like headphones and phones
Wear bright clothing or reflective gear when near traffic.
Enforce safety laws more consistently
Every state has laws about car seat use, but enforcement varies. Stronger laws, public awareness campaigns, and consequences for noncompliance can save lives.
Supervise kids near vehicles
Driveways, parking lots, and school zones are some of the most dangerous places for kids. Always hold a child’s hand when walking near traffic, and teach them never to play behind or around parked cars.
When we looked at this data, we didn’t just see numbers. We saw real lives — real children — who should still be here today.
Final Thoughts
No parent should have to bury a child because of something that could have been prevented. Whether it’s making sure a car seat is installed correctly or talking to your child about traffic safety, small steps can lead to big changes.
At The Fitch Law Firm, we’re committed to advocating for safer roads and protecting families. If we can raise awareness, change behavior, and hold negligent drivers accountable, we can help make our streets safer for the most vulnerable people on them, our children.