Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death to school-aged children in North America. There are no restraints designed specifically for these children; instead, they are placed in adult restraints. Previous studies have questioned the best type of restraint for this age group and suggested that the seat belt may be less effective in children when compared to adults. This study used data from Transport Canada's Passenger Car Study to evaluate the lap and lap torso-belts, while adjusting for the severity of the collision (Barrier Equivalent Velocity), age, and seat position. Results showed that the lap and lap-torso belts were statistically better than no restraint, but not statistically better than each other in reducing injury severity. Furthermore, these restraints were equally as efficacious for children as they were for adults. (A)
Abstract