An analysis of car crashes fatalities involving young drivers in Queensland Australia

Background The road safety of children and young adults is an important topic across the globe due to the significant loss of life in this population due to road crash fatalities. To inform preventative interventions directed at high risk population it is important to explore the characteristics of fatal accidents involving young passengers and drivers. Methods In Queensland, Australia, the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian collects data pertaining to every registered child death (<18 years), including deaths due to road crashes. Data for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2012 was analysed with regards to demographic factors and variables such as age, gender, driver licence status and socioeconomic status, in order to provide insights into risk factors associated with traffic related child deaths where a driver 21 years or younger was involved. Results Between 2004–2012, 100 children aged