Objective. To examine the differences and characteristics of road traffic injuries (RTIs) among Jewish and Arab children, ages 0–17 years, in Israel.

Design. A retrospective study based on data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry between 2001 and 2010. This study relates specifically to traffic-related hospitalizations among children ages 0–17 years. Data include demographic, injury, and hospitalization characteristics. Descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression were used to examine the differences of RTIs between the two ethnic groups.

Results. A total of 18,884 children were included, of which Arab children comprised 38.2% of the total and 44.1% of the severely injured. Among Arab children 41.8% were pedestrians compared to 33.4% among Jewish children (p<0.0001). Arab children were younger, had more severe injuries and more traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to Jewish children. Adjusted logistic regression analysis shows that the probability of an Arab child, relative to a Jewish child, to undergo surgical procedures was 1.2 (p<0.0001), to be hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) was 0.8 (p=0.003), and to be transferred to rehabilitation was 0.5 (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in inpatient mortality between the two ethnic groups.

Conclusions. Arab children in Israel are more likely to be hospitalized due to road accidents in comparison to Jewish children. Intervention programs should focus on Arab children and their unique characteristics.