Children are our most precious resource. Unfortunately, they do not have the skills to protect themselves. Adults can, and must protect them. Most States codify this obligation in various child abuse and endangerment statutes. Still, many States fail to statutorily recognize the relationship in the traffic safety context. Indeed, even though virtually every State recognizes the inherent dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol r DWI), many do not articulate special sanctions for DWI/DUI.
This monograph addresses motor vehicle occupant protection issues concerning children. The document discusses the dangers children face and identifies relevant laws and possible criminal prosecutions. It identifies these incidents for what many of them truly are: important, if often overlooked forms of child abuse.
