What is the leading cause of death and injuries for children in the United States?

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for children in the United States, which underscores the critical importance of proper child passenger safety practices. These incidents often result in serious injuries and fatalities due to the lack of proper restraints and safety measures for young passengers.

Statistics consistently show that children are at a high risk of injury when not securely buckled in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, depending on their age, weight, and height. The significant force involved in a vehicle collision can lead to devastating outcomes, making it essential for caregivers to understand and implement the recommended safety standards. By addressing this issue through education and proper safety device usage, the likelihood of these tragic events can be substantially reduced, illustrating the necessity of child passenger safety initiatives.

The other options, while serious, do not rank as high in terms of overall incidents leading to fatalities among children in the same way as motor vehicle crashes.