What type of injuries should you suspect in infants not properly restrained in their car seats during an auto collision?

In infants who are not properly restrained in their car seats during an auto collision, head and neck injuries are particularly concerning due to the vulnerability of these areas in young children. Infants have proportionately larger heads compared to their bodies, which increases the likelihood of head injuries in a sudden stop or collision. They also lack the muscle tone and neck strength to support their heads adequately, making them more susceptible to whiplash and other injuries to the cervical spine.

During a collision, an unrestrained infant can be thrown forward, leading to a high risk of trauma to the head and neck, including concussions, skull fractures, or spinal injuries. The appropriate use of car seats, which are designed to keep an infant secure and reduce movement during an accident, is crucial to mitigating these risks. Thus, the focus on head and neck injuries in this scenario is based on the anatomical and physiological considerations specific to infants, emphasizing the importance of proper car seat use for safety.