Ill-fitting seatbelts raise the risk of serious injury to children involved in car accidents. And seat belt injuries should alert physicians to look for signs of more serious consequences, particularly spinal cord injury, which is not always immediately apparent.

Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia's Institute of Public Policy recently conducted a study on seatbelt use among Missouri teens. Based on the study results, the researchers recommend that the state continue its teen-focused information campaign and enact primary enforcement seatbelt laws.