NHTSA’s 'Misuse of Child Restraints' study (DOT HS 809 671) identified high rates of unrestrained children of booster seat age and weight. This project was undertaken in response to those findings, selecting 5- to 7-year-olds to target because of the higher rate of nonuse in that age range. The study objective was to suggest solutions to the problem of unrestrained children riding in motor vehicles. The study methodology entailed: (1) a literature review to identify factors associated with children’s nonuse of occupant restraints and potential interventions; (2) discussions with key informants to identify barriers to restraint use in this child population, and to recommend strategies to reduce nonuse; (3) a brainstorming session with experts to propose and prioritize strategies to reduce nonuse among identified high-risk populations; and (4) focus groups in four cities with adults observed transporting unrestrained children ages 5 to 7 to discuss strategies to increase restraint use. The obtained information encompassed not just nonuse but also improper use (e.g., using a seat belt instead of a booster seat). (Author/publisher)
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