Key Takeaways
- Infants under 1 year: 112 US crash deaths in 2021.
- Children 1-3 years: 180 deaths in US motor vehicle crashes 2021.
- Ages 4-7: 210 child fatalities in US crashes 2021.
- In 2022, 638 children aged 12 and under died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States, representing a 6.7% decrease from 2021.
- From 2018 to 2022, an average of 712 child passengers aged 0-14 died annually in U.S. car crashes.
- In 2021, 684 children under 13 lost their lives in passenger vehicle crashes nationwide.
- In 2021, 29% US child deaths from rollover crashes.
- Frontal impacts: 45% of child occupant fatalities US.
- Side impacts: 25% child deaths, rising with SUVs.
- US South: 40% child crash deaths 2022.
- Rural areas: 56% child motor vehicle deaths US.
- American Indian children: 4.2 per 100k death rate highest.
- In 2021, 42% of child crash deaths US were unrestrained.
- Rear-facing car seats reduce infant death risk by 72%.
- Booster seats for 4-8 year olds: 71% effectiveness against death.
Rear facing seats and seat belts can greatly reduce child deaths, especially for infants and preteens.
Related reading
Age Group Breakdowns
Age Group Breakdowns Interpretation
More related reading
Annual Death Counts
Annual Death Counts Interpretation
Crash Types and Causes
Crash Types and Causes Interpretation
More related reading
Geographic and Demographic Variations
Geographic and Demographic Variations Interpretation
Restraint and Safety Equipment
Restraint and Safety Equipment Interpretation
More related reading
Trends Over Time or Prevention/Comparisons
Trends Over Time or Prevention/Comparisons Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Timothy Grant. (2026, February 13). Child Deaths In Car Accidents Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/child-deaths-in-car-accidents-statistics
Timothy Grant. "Child Deaths In Car Accidents Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/child-deaths-in-car-accidents-statistics.
Timothy Grant. 2026. "Child Deaths In Car Accidents Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/child-deaths-in-car-accidents-statistics.
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