
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 17, 1995                   TAG: 9505170080
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                 LENGTH: Short

CHILD DEATHS FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS UP

The number of infants and toddlers killed or injured in traffic accidents rose in 1994 for the second year in a row, according to preliminary figures. Transportation officials say proper use of child safety seats could greatly reduce the toll.

Dr. Ricardo Martinez, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the numbers won't be confirmed until this summer after the states have submitted final reports, but preliminary reports point to a continuation of a deadly trend.

``The fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg,'' Martinez said Tuesday at a National Child Car Seat Safety Conference. ``The injuries are also up, and many of those injuries result in lifetime problems.''

According to preliminary numbers, about 700 children younger than 4 died in traffic accidents in 1994, and 75,000 were injured. That's up from 616 killed and 60,000 injured in 1993.

Keywords:
FATALITY

by CNB