A great and common problem when using child restraints is misuse, i.e. incorrect mounting. The normally very high safety effect is then drastically reduced. In order to handle these problems of incorrect mounting, AUTOLIV, FOLKSAM, SAAB, VOLVO and VTI (The Swedish Road and Traffic Research Institute) have developed two new fastening devices designed to minimize incorrect mounting. In the project phase, these two new systems are called ISOFIX and DELTAFIX. The two new systems are based on the principle that the fastening elements for child seat are already mounted in the car when delivered. New attachments fitting one of the two new systems shall also be integrated in the child seat at purchase. The aim of the project is to study the simplicity of mounting/demounting, possible misuse as well as views, ideas and assessments by parents of small children concerning these three different fastening devices. The study was carried out through observational studies and interviews of 46 parents of small children when they had tested the two new systems and the conventional system with fastening straps and seat belt. Furthermore, the subjects had to fill in a questionnaire. The results show that the two new FIX systems minimize incorrect mounting and that the usual system shows a very high percentage of misuse. Parents of small children are also in favour of the new systems and 89% are willing to pay a fairly large amount of money to have the systems mounted in their cars. The subjects rank the ISOFIX system highest when it comes to simplicity of use. The DELTAFIX system is ranked highest when it comes to safety and stability. The conventional system is ranked lowest in all questions concerning order of preference. (A)
Abstract