The study was based on data involving 3232 children between the ages of 9 and 15 who were involved in a car crash. About one third of the children were overweight or obese, and 15% of the children sustained a moderate to severe injury in the car crash examined.

Thinner children were found to have suffered comparatively more injuries involving the pelvis, thigh bone and collar bone, the researchers noted, attributing this to the fact that heavier children have more shock-absorbing fat in those areas.

In contrast, heavy children in auto accidents were found to be at least two and a half times more likely to sustain fractured arms and legs. The researchers indicated that there was evidence to suggest that the bones of overweight children may be more vulnerable to fractures.

Our Maryland car crash lawyers have found that in minor collisions, children are generally pretty resilient and tend to recover quickly. However, this research provides interesting data for those Maryland car accidents where fractures and other serious injuries do result.

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a car crash, Maryland parents should always make that their children are appropriately restrained for their age and size. In addition, for children under 13, the researchers recommend that they always ride in the back seat.