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Citation
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Morse AM, Aitken ME, Mullins SH, Miller BK, Pomtree MM, Ulloa EM, Montgomery JS, Saylors ME. J. Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017; 83(2): 305-309. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations regarding transition from child safety/booster seat to adult safety belt use indicate that children should be at least 4'9", 8 years old, or 80 pounds. Proper fit in the vehicle seat, assessed with a 5 point fit test, should also be met. While most children reach 4'9" around age 8, each child and vehicle presents a unique combination; thus a child may not fit appropriately in all vehicle types using only the 4'9" requirement.
METHODS: We enrolled children, 7-12 years of age, into our study. Height, weight and demographic data were obtained. A Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPS-T) then performed the 5 point fit test in each of a uniform lineup of 5 vehicles. Data was collected on fit in the standard vehicle seat and also in a booster seat. We set 90% as the threshold proportion of children who meet all criteria for proper fit to validate current recommendations of a height of 4'9".
RESULTS: Data was collected on 388 children. The percentage of 90% proper fit was met in the compact car and small SUV. However, only 80/104 students (77%; p < 0.0001) that were ≥ 4'9" fit properly in the large SUV, only 87/105 students (83%; p = 0.02) fit properly in the pickup truck, and only 91/102 students (89%; p = 0.74) fit properly in the minivan.
CONCLUSIONS: Substantial proportions of children meeting current height guidelines for an adult seat belt do not meet safety requirements for fit, especially in larger, commonly used vehicles (large SUVs and trucks). This emphasizes the need for evaluation of fit by trained personnel and/or development of standard back seat dimensions in all vehicles for maximum safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.
Language: en |