This paper describes a representative sample of the wrong use of both seat belts and child seats. The study was conducted on the basis of the results of a before study. In March and April 1991, 578 interviews were held, and 973 measurements were carried out. The field study took place on parking places near amusement parks, shopping centres, and wayside restaurants, spread all over the Netherlands. The most important results are as follows: (1) Nine measurements could not be used; (2) 69% of the child seats were used in the wrong way; (3) Seat belts on the front seats were used considerably better than the child seats; (4) Seat belts on the rear seats investigated were mainly used by children under 12 years old; and (5) Many child seat errors were caused by interface problems between the child seat and the passenger car. See also IRRD 834887.
Abstract