Citation

Le Breton B, Dejeammes M. Annu. Proc. Assoc. Adv. Automot. Med. 1994; 38: 107-120.

Affiliation

INRETS-LESCO, Bron, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

At the request of the French Ministry of Transport, INRETS-LESCO conducted two surveys in 1992, in order to evaluate the use of child protection devices during short journeys, since these devices became compulsory on January 1st, 1992. The first survey consisted in collecting information using a questionnaire filled-in by a representative panel of French households: the restraint conditions of 1,930 children were obtained by description. The second survey was conducted by interviewers in commercial car parks of the suburbs of Lyon (France). A form was filled for every child passenger. This survey allowed us to describe the protection conditions of 606 children. Knowing the actual use of devices for children (including safety belts) is particularly useful in following-up the progression of behaviors further to the introduction of a new regulation. Moreover, better knowledge of misuse can help manufacturers to improve their devices and encourage the circulation of information. The aim of this study is to describe practices during short journeys. With which devices are households equipped? What is the use rate of these devices? Where and how are the devices installed inside the vehicle and what problems are encountered in fastening them? Is the child correctly and easily installed (locking of the restraint system, difficulties linked to the installation of the child in the device, suitability between the device used and the child's age)? Finally, what is the rate of good protection and what are the main difficulties encountered.

Language: en