Childhood automotive safety.

Automobile accidents are the number one killer of children. Effective devices for protecting infants and older children are now available. Counseling the parents on the proper use of car seats should begin in the prenatal period and should continue during regular checkups. Knowledge of the excuses that parents give for not using these devices can help offset some of the existing apathy. Family physicians are in an ideal position to provide proper preventive health counseling on the use of car restraints for children.