Citation

Thompson A. J. Traffic Med. 1989; 17(3-4): 29-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, International Association for Accident and Traffic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A survey of 100 families' usage of child restraints in cars was carried out in an urban child health clinic during a two month period during the winter of 1987-1988. The survey found that the presence of a rear seat belt resulted in increased usage only in the youngest age group. Where a seat belt was fitted a progressively decreasing proportion of children used restraints with increasing age. Following the initial survey a display on in-car safety was set up in the clinic. A follow up questionnaire found that many parents were unaware of the hazards faced and about the non-usage of restraints by children in cars. A high proportion of parents recognised the need to improve on restraint usage for their own children. Nearly all parents would welcome a local hire service and ready access to a reliable local safety advice centre. Attention is drawn to the key role that can be played by health authorities and their child health service in raising awareness and encouraging increased use of in-car safety devices.(A)]