This paper presents the development, implementation and outcome of a pilot campaign to increase the use of restraints by rear seat child occupants from three non-English speaking background (NESB) communities in Sydney. Research has identified that in the communities observed, the restraint wearing rates of rear seat child occupants are significantly lower than their English speaking background counterparts. There was a significant increase in the number of people acknowledging that travelling unrestrained in the rear seat is very dangerous. There was also a significant improvement in the number of people correctly identifying that it is the driver rather than the parent who is responsible for ensuring that children use restraints. There was no increase in restraint use following the pilot campaign. There is an identified need to continue this campaign, in order for the change in attitudes and knowledge to have an impact on behaviour. The campaign should target the issues of the dangers of travelling unrestrained in the rear seat, the safety value of seat belts, and the fine for not restraining children. Other restraint use issues which should be addressed in future campaigns include the dangers of nursing children on your lap, and the dangers of an adult and child sharing a seat belt. (A).
Abstract