CHILDREN IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS: THE EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY

When a child dies, the surviving family members experience a myriad of changes within themselves and the family system. The purpose of this research is to explore the emotional costs following the death of a child in an automobile or pedestrian oriented accident and the resulting long-term consequences of the loss. Using the case study method, nine families were interviewed following the deaths of their children. The research describes both the qualitative and quantitative perspective to surviving family members and the social and psychological damage which ensues. The case studies reveal a high incidence of marital and family erosion, alcohol and drug abuse, psychological instability and prolonged disability as several resulting factors after the deaths.

• Corporate Authors:

  Rubin (Lorrie R)

  4381 Americana Drive No. 202
  Annandale, VA  United States  22003

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  Office of Contracts and Procurement, 1200 New Jerseyu Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Rubin, L R
• Publication Date: 1982-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 72 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Children; Crashes; Families; Fatalities; Psychological aspects
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00371159
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt., HS-806 316
• Contract Numbers: DTNH22-81-07052
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 31 1983 12:00AM