This cross-sectional study provides population-referenced data on the restraints used and the extent of incorrect restraint use, among child vehicle passengers aged 0-2 years in NSW, Australia. A multistage stratified cluster sampling plan was used to randomly select vehicles from baby/child health clinics, pre-schools/day care centres, and primary schools across NSW to undergo detailed inspection of restraints used by child occupants within those vehicles. Overall, there were very high restraint usage rates (>99% of sampled children) but fewer than one quarter of children were using the correct size-appropriate restraints. Incorrect use (51.4%) was as common as inappropriate use (51.2%). Incorrect use was highest among users of dedicated child restraint systems (OR 16.0, 95% CI 6.9-6.0), and was more likely among those using size-appropriate restraints than those using inappropriate restraints (OR 1.8 95% CI 1.1-.2); and among convertible restraints than those designed for a single mode of use (OR 1.5 95% CI 1.2-.7). As incorrect use substantially reduces the protection from injury that is offered by child restraints. (A) Reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
Samenvatting