Vehicular-Related Fatalities among Teenagers—The Metro Dade County Experience,1978–82

Abstract

A study of deaths from vehicular-related causes among teenagers was carried out from the case files of the Office of the Medical Examiner, Metro Dade County, Miami, Florida, between the years 1978–82. A total of 247 cases were examined and analysed as to the age, race and sex of victims, along with the cause of death, and whether alcohol or drugs were detected at autopsy. Also taken into account were such factors as whether seat-belts were worn, the decedent's role in the accident and the causative factors involved in the fatality. The implications for society of these findings was also noted.