The paper describes the use of non-passenger areas (center-rear and open
luggage compartments) in small four-passenger cars and the possible risks of
injury from use of these areas as compared with other rear seat locations.
The data obtained was from a 20-month data collection period in emergency
rooms in a large California county. Fifteen percent of the children were
found to be occupying non-passenger areas. Use of the non-passenger areas
was found to be more frequent when the number of passengers exceeded four
(overcapacity). Cause of injury differed with respect to seat location.
One-third of the center-rear children were thrown into the front seat of the
vehicle and over one-half of the children in the luggage area were ejected
from the vehicle. Severity of injury, overall, did not differ between those
in actual seating positions and those children in non-seating positions.
Travel in small cars increases the potential of children occupying
non-passenger areas. Educational programs should address the hazards of
travel in unacceptable seating positions where restraints are not
available.