“Data” is defined as “facts, statistics, and information collected together for reference or analysis.” In other words, it is information used for the purpose of analyzing something. In this case, “something” is child passenger safety.
Data can help you:
- Gain insight into your community’s needs.
- Identify who is at risk for motor vehicle injuries.
- Apply for grants to fund child passenger safety efforts.
- Set measurable goals.
- Track improvements over time.
- Connect individuals with appropriate resources.
- Focus your time doing the things that will have the greatest impact.
- Utilize resources effectively.
Data tells us that child safety seats work.
Child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for children ages 1 to 4 years. Data also tells us that American Indian children have the highest motor vehicle fatality rate of any race in the United States, with death rates 2-3 times higher than other races. Is this because American Indian children are less likely to be using a child safety seat?
What we know about child safety seat use in tribes:
- Child safety seat use varies widely from one tribal community to another. Even if we have a good estimate of child safety seat use in one community, we cannot assume that use is similar in a neighboring tribe.
- Child safety seat use remains unknown for many tribal communities. Do you know the percentage of children in your community who ride in an age and size appropriate restraint?
- Different communities have different norms around child passenger safety. Do you know people’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs around child safety seat use?
To find existing data on child passenger safety, go to the next section.